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Field-ready project planning

Measure clearly.
Build confidently.

Practical material calculators for DIYers and small contractors—built around real units, clear assumptions, and fewer surprises at the store.

Explore calculators Read the field guides ↗
55 focused tools2 unit systems
Start with the job

What are you working on?

View all 55 tools
01Foundations & poursConcrete

Plan slabs, footings, columns, and bagged mixes with practical waste allowances.

Browse tools 02Brick, block & mortarMasonry

Estimate masonry units, mortar, grout fill, and modular wall materials.

Browse tools 03Walls, floors & finishesSurfaces

Measure paint, tile, flooring, drywall, grout, and wallpaper without guesswork.

Browse tools 04Ground & gardenLandscape

Turn awkward outdoor measurements into useful bulk and bagged quantities.

Browse tools 05Framing & layoutStructure

Work through decks, fences, roof geometry, stairs, and dimensional lumber.

Browse tools 06Roofing & coatingsExterior

Plan siding, roof materials, sheathing, rafters, stains, and exterior maintenance.

Browse tools 07Scope & budgetPlanning

Turn an early renovation scope into a transparent, adjustable planning budget.

Browse tools
Most useful first

Popular project calculators

Clear inputs. Practical outputs.
No account required.

Concrete · Volume & bagsConcrete Slab CalculatorEstimate concrete volume and ready-mix requirements for a rectangular slab.Concrete · VolumeConcrete Footing CalculatorPlan continuous footings with clear length, width, and depth measurements.Concrete · VolumeConcrete Column CalculatorEstimate material for round and rectangular structural columns.Concrete · Bag countConcrete Bag CalculatorTurn a project volume into practical 40, 60, or 80 lb bag quantities.Surfaces · Gallons & litersPaint Coverage CalculatorEstimate wall and ceiling paint with coats, doors, windows, and waste included.Surfaces · Area & cartonsFlooring CalculatorPlan flooring area, cartons, and a sensible cutting allowance.
A better estimate

Numbers you can
actually check.

Every BuildGauge tool is designed to show the assumptions behind the answer—not hide them behind a bright green button.

See our checking method
  1. 01
    Measure the real shape

    Work from finished dimensions and split irregular spaces into simple sections.

  2. 02
    Keep units visible

    See the unit beside every value, with US customary and metric views.

  3. 03
    Add waste deliberately

    Adjust overage for layout, breakage, offcuts, and packaging—not guesswork.

From the field guide

Plan before you purchase.

All project guides
Planning · 7 min readHow to measure a project before you buy materials

A calm, repeatable way to capture dimensions, split irregular spaces, and avoid expensive assumptions.

Read guide Materials · 6 min readChoosing a waste factor that fits the job

Why a flat ten percent is sometimes sensible, sometimes excessive, and occasionally nowhere near enough.

Read guide Units · 8 min readUS customary and metric measurements on one job

A practical guide to working with plans, products, and tools that do not share the same unit system.

Read guide