10 free home-improvement calculators
Measure twice.
Buy once.
Free home-improvement calculators for mulch, paint, concrete, decking, fencing, roofing, drywall, tile, flooring, and insulation — plus plain-English guides to help you buy close to the right amount the first time.
The toolbox
Pick your project
Mulch
How much mulch you need — in cubic yards, bags, and dollars.
Open calculatorPaint
How many gallons to paint a room — coats, doors, and windows included.
Open calculatorConcrete
Cubic yards and bags for slabs, footings, and round columns.
Open calculatorDeck boards
Boards, linear feet, and screws for your deck surface.
Open calculatorFence
Posts, rails, and pickets for a wood fence run.
Open calculatorRoofing
Squares, shingle bundles, and underlayment from your footprint and pitch.
Open calculatorDrywall
Sheets, joint compound, tape, and screws for a room.
Open calculatorTile
Tiles, thinset, and waste for a floor or wall.
Open calculatorFlooring
Boxes of flooring and underlayment for a room.
Open calculatorInsulation
Bags or batts to reach your target R-value.
Open calculatorInstant estimates
Results update as you type — no “calculate” button, no waiting, no reload.
Checked against the trade
Every formula is checked against standard references and unit-tested — and clearly labeled a planning estimate, not a pro's quote.
Private by design
The math runs in your browser. No accounts, no sign-ups, nothing leaves your device.
Guides
Buy closer to the right amount
How Deep Should Mulch Be?
How deep should mulch be? The right mulch depth is 2-3 inches for most beds and 3 inches over bare soil. Here's how to get it close the first time.
Read guideMulchMulch vs. Rock: Which Should You Use?
Mulch vs. rock for landscaping: organic mulch feeds soil but breaks down, while rock lasts forever but radiates heat. Here's how to choose the right one.
Read guideMulchTypes of Mulch Compared
Types of mulch compared: shredded bark, wood chips, straw, pine needles, and rock. Learn which mulch type fits your beds, budget, and maintenance level.
Read guideMulchWhen to Apply Mulch (and When Not To)
When to apply mulch: mid-to-late spring once soil warms is the best time, with a lighter fall layer to insulate roots. Here's the right timing and what to avoid.
Read guidePaintDo You Need Primer? A Practical Guide
Do you need primer? Prime bare drywall, patches, stains, glossy surfaces, and big color changes. Learn when to skip it and when paint-and-primer works.
Read guidePaintHow Many Coats of Paint Do You Need?
How many coats of paint do you need? Two coats is the standard for an even, durable finish. Learn when one coat works and when you need three.
Read guide