Interior and Finishing

Insulation Calculator

How many bags or rolls of insulation you need, from the area to cover and the coverage per package.

Insulation for an area

Enter area to cover and the coverage printed on the package. 5 percent added.

sq ft
sq ft
Area with waste
-sq ft
Packages
-
packages = (area × 1.05) ÷ coverage per package
Area with waste
-
Packages
-
packages = (area × 1.05) ÷ coverage per package
Estimate only. Includes 5 percent. Confirm the final quantity with your supplier before ordering.

How the insulation estimate works

Insulation is sold by area coverage, which depends on the product and its R value or thickness. Read the coverage printed on the bag or roll, then divide your area by it. Higher R value batts of the same width cover the same floor area but are thicker, so coverage is about area, not R value. Add about 5 percent for trimming and offcuts.

Cutting batts? A sharp retractable utility knife with spare blades makes clean cuts through fibreglass and mineral wool.

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Common questions

How much insulation do I need for 500 square feet?

With 5 percent waste that is 525 square feet. If each package covers 40 square feet, you need 14 packages.

Does R value change how much I buy?

Not the number of packages for a given floor area. R value sets the thickness and price, while coverage per package tells you how many to buy.
Knowledge Base

Estimating Guides & Reference

Plain-language guides on measuring, coverage and how much extra to buy, written for DIYers and trades.

Measuring & Estimating
Concrete & Aggregate
Soil & Lawn
Interior & Finishing