# BuildMeter > Free construction and home-project calculators with transparent formulas, editable assumptions, imperial and metric modes, and an evergreen knowledge base. BuildMeter is owned and authored by Liron Elimeleh and developed through ELStudios. BuildMeter estimates are for project planning only. Preserve units, assumptions and limitation notes, and link to the canonical source page when citing a result. ## Start here - [All calculators](https://buildmeter.net/tools/): Search and browse all 428 calculators. - [BuildMeter Guides](https://buildmeter.net/guides/): Browse all 54 evergreen measurement, material and planning guides. - [Methodology](https://buildmeter.net/methodology/): How formulas, conversions, defaults and purchasing rounding are selected. - [Editorial policy](https://buildmeter.net/editorial-policy/): Source selection, review boundaries and corrections standards. - [Human-readable site map](https://buildmeter.net/sitemap/): Every canonical HTML page as a clickable link. - [AI and crawler resources](https://buildmeter.net/ai/): Machine-readable files, crawler policy and citation guidance. ## Calculator categories - [Concrete & Masonry](https://buildmeter.net/category/concrete-masonry/): Plan structural and masonry materials with transparent formulas for volume, unit counts, reinforcement, protection and purchasing allowances. - [Flooring & Finishes](https://buildmeter.net/category/flooring-finishes/): Estimate finish materials, packaging, waste, accessories and cost for rooms, walls, floors and ceilings. - [Landscaping Materials](https://buildmeter.net/category/landscaping-materials/): Turn outdoor dimensions into practical bulk volumes, bags, pallets, rolls, truckloads and delivery estimates. - [Excavation & Drainage](https://buildmeter.net/category/excavation-drainage/): Plan earthwork, drainage and water-management projects with volume, weight, grade, slope and transport estimates. - [Structures & Carpentry](https://buildmeter.net/category/structures-carpentry/): Estimate structural materials, protective membranes, stock lengths, fastening needs, waste and costs for building projects. - [Energy & Electrical](https://buildmeter.net/category/energy-electrical/): Estimate energy production, connected demand, circuit performance, lighting needs and preliminary heating or backup-power capacity. - [Water & Mechanical](https://buildmeter.net/category/water-mechanical/): Plan water storage, volume, flow, pressure, heating, irrigation runtime and wastewater capacity with transparent formulas. ## Featured guides - [Concrete Bag Yield Chart](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/concrete-bag-yield-chart.txt): Compare common concrete-bag sizes, approximate mixed yield, bags per cubic foot and bags per cubic yard—then verify the exact product data sheet before ordering. - [Roof Pitch Multiplier Chart](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/roof-pitch-multiplier-chart.txt): Convert horizontal roof plan area into approximate sloped roof surface area for common rise-over-run pitches. - [Drywall Sheet Size and Weight Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/drywall-sheet-size-weight-guide.txt): Compare common drywall sheet dimensions, face area and example manufacturer-listed weights for quantity and handling plans. - [Concrete Slab Thickness Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/concrete-slab-thickness-planning-guide.txt): Understand which project conditions affect concrete slab thickness and how thickness changes material volume without treating a general guide as structural design. - [Concrete Waste Percentage Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/concrete-waste-percentage-guide.txt): Choose a transparent concrete ordering allowance for form variation, over-excavation, uneven subgrade, spillage and placement uncertainty. - [How to Measure an Irregular Room](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/how-to-measure-an-irregular-room.txt): Break L-shaped, angled and multi-section rooms into measurable shapes so flooring, paint and finish quantities are based on visible dimensions. - [Flooring Waste Percentage Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/flooring-waste-percentage-guide.txt): Select a flooring cutting allowance based on room shape, installation direction, pattern repeat, board or tile format and expected future repairs. - [How to Measure a Roof from the Ground](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/how-to-measure-a-roof-from-the-ground.txt): Create a preliminary roof-area takeoff from safe ground-level plan dimensions, overhangs and pitch multipliers without walking an unsafe roof. - [Lumber Nominal vs. Actual Size Chart](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/lumber-nominal-vs-actual-size-chart.txt): Compare common North American nominal lumber labels with typical surfaced dimensions and understand which dimensions belong in volume, weight and layout calculations. - [Gravel Weight per Cubic Yard and Cubic Metre](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/gravel-weight-per-cubic-yard-and-metre.txt): Use editable bulk density to convert gravel volume into approximate weight while accounting for stone size, moisture, compaction and supplier variation. - [Voltage Drop Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/voltage-drop-planning-guide.txt): Understand the inputs behind a voltage-drop estimate—current, conductor material, size, length, phase and system voltage—without replacing electrical design or code review. - [How to Convert Excavation Volume to Truckloads](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/excavation-volume-to-truckloads-guide.txt): Turn measured excavation dimensions into bank volume, editable loose-volume allowance and full truckloads without treating one swell factor or truck capacity as universal. - [Pipe Volume Chart](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/pipe-volume-chart.txt): Convert known inside diameter and pipe length into internal liquid volume, with quick reference values for several example diameters. - [Rebar Size and Weight Chart](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/rebar-size-and-weight-chart.txt): Compare common U.S. reinforcing-bar designations, nominal diameters, cross-sectional areas and approximate weight per foot, then use verified project schedules for ordering. - [Concrete Strength Explained for Project Planning](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/concrete-strength-explained.txt): Understand specified compressive strength, test age, cylinder results and why a higher number is not a substitute for a complete concrete mixture and structural specification. - [How to Calculate Wall Area and Exclude Doors and Windows](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/how-to-calculate-wall-area-excluding-openings.txt): Measure gross wall area, subtract selected door and window openings, and keep perimeter, ceiling and waste quantities separate for paint, drywall and wall-covering estimates. - [Drywall Thickness Selection Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/drywall-thickness-selection-guide.txt): Compare common gypsum-panel thicknesses and the questions that determine whether a panel is appropriate for walls, ceilings, curves, repairs, moisture exposure or rated assemblies. - [Gravel Types for Driveways and Drainage](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/gravel-types-for-driveways-and-drainage.txt): Understand why a compactable graded base and a free-draining aggregate serve different functions, and which supplier properties to confirm before estimating volume and weight. - [Mulch Depth and Coverage Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/mulch-depth-and-coverage-guide.txt): Convert bed area and chosen finished depth into mulch volume while accounting for existing mulch, settlement, tree-trunk clearance and product-specific bulk volume. - [Deck Board Sizes and Spacing Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/deck-board-sizes-and-spacing-guide.txt): Plan deck-board quantities by separating actual board width, installed gap, run direction, butt joints and product-specific joist-spacing requirements. - [Insulation R-Values Explained](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/insulation-r-values-explained.txt): Understand nominal R-value, R-value per thickness, whole-assembly effects, compression, gaps and thermal bridging before estimating insulation quantity or cost. - [Rainwater Harvesting Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/rainwater-harvesting-planning-guide.txt): Estimate roof catchment yield while separating rainfall, collection efficiency, storage, demand, first-flush treatment, overflow and local-use restrictions. - [Drainage Pipe Bedding and Trench Measurement Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/drainage-pipe-bedding-and-trench-measurement-guide.txt): Separate trench excavation, bedding below the pipe, side support, initial backfill and final backfill so material quantities match the selected pipe installation detail. - [Vapor Barrier Seam Tape Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/vapor-barrier-seam-tape-planning-guide.txt): Measure membrane seams, perimeter transitions and penetration details without confusing membrane overlap area with tape length. - [Attic Ventilation Baffle Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/attic-ventilation-baffle-planning-guide.txt): Count vented rafter bays, choose a chute run that protects the eave insulation and separate baffle quantity from ventilation sizing. - [Duct Insulation Surface Area and R-Value Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/duct-insulation-surface-area-guide.txt): Calculate round and rectangular duct-wrap area, allow for fittings and understand why sealing, facing and required R-value are separate decisions. - [Water Softener Salt Usage Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/water-softener-salt-usage-guide.txt): Connect tested water hardness, treated-water volume and certified salt efficiency to monthly salt demand without assuming a universal regeneration schedule. - [PEX Tubing Layout Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/pex-tubing-layout-planning-guide.txt): Compare home-run and trunk-and-branch takeoffs, measure routes consistently and separate tubing length from pipe sizing and fitting selection. - [Sill Sealer and Foundation Air-Sealing Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/sill-sealer-and-foundation-air-sealing-guide.txt): Measure sill-gasket runs, understand its role at the foundation-to-framing joint and keep gasket quantity separate from caulk and rim-joist sealing. - [Stucco Lath and Accessory Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/stucco-lath-and-accessory-planning-guide.txt): Convert wall area into effective lath-sheet coverage while separating laps, corners, beads, joints, flashing and fasteners from the base sheet count. - [Roof Valley Measurement and Liner Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/roof-valley-measurement-and-liner-guide.txt): Measure individual valley lengths, account for liner width and end laps, and separate material quantity from the selected open, closed or woven valley detail. - [Window Well Drainage Gravel Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/window-well-drainage-gravel-guide.txt): Measure a gravel bed and optional drain column while recognizing that gravel quantity alone cannot solve grading, drain connection or waterproofing problems. - [Window Flashing Tape Measurement Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/window-flashing-tape-measurement-guide.txt): Measure sill, jamb, head and corner pieces from the approved flashing sequence instead of multiplying every opening by one generic perimeter. - [Concrete Wet-Curing Water Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/concrete-wet-curing-water-planning-guide.txt): Plan wet-curing water volume while keeping moisture-retention method, curing duration, weather and concrete specification as separate project decisions. - [Concrete Form Release Agent Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/concrete-form-release-agent-planning-guide.txt): Measure concrete-contact form area, use manufacturer coverage and avoid release products that can stain architectural concrete or interfere with later coatings. - [Masonry Veneer Anchor Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/masonry-veneer-anchor-planning-guide.txt): Understand field anchor grids, additional anchors at openings and why connector type, corrosion resistance and substrate attachment require approved details. - [Baseboard Measurement and Waste Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/baseboard-measurement-and-waste-guide.txt): Measure room perimeters, deduct true openings, plan stock-length joints and choose a transparent cutting allowance for trim installation. - [Roof Underlayment Selection and Coverage Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/roof-underlayment-selection-and-coverage-guide.txt): Convert roof plan area to sloped coverage, use effective roll coverage and separate general underlayment from eave, valley and penetration membranes. - [Ridge Ventilation Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/ridge-ventilation-planning-guide.txt): Translate an entered attic ventilation ratio into exhaust net-free area and ridge length while checking intake balance and product ratings. - [Deck Ledger Flashing Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/deck-ledger-flashing-planning-guide.txt): Measure ledger runs and end returns while understanding how cap flashing, membrane and the wall water-resistive barrier must work as one drainage detail. - [French Drain Geotextile Fabric Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/french-drain-geotextile-fabric-guide.txt): Measure a full trench wrap, plan roll strips and understand why drainage geotextile selection must match the soil and aggregate rather than generic landscape fabric. - [Sump Pump Runtime and Cycling Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/sump-pump-runtime-and-cycling-guide.txt): Estimate runtime from water inflow and delivered pump flow, then evaluate how cycle volume, head, discharge piping and power outages affect operation. - [Radiant Floor Tubing Layout Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/radiant-floor-tubing-layout-guide.txt): Estimate tubing from floor area and spacing, divide it into practical circuits and keep quantity planning separate from heat-loss and hydraulic design. - [House Wrap Seams and Tape Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/house-wrap-seams-and-tape-planning-guide.txt): Plan horizontal laps, roll-end joints, opening perimeters and penetration tape while keeping the wall drainage plane continuous and shingle-lapped. - [Siding Starter Strip Layout Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/siding-starter-strip-layout-guide.txt): Measure wall-base runs, account for separate wall sections and understand why level layout, matched profiles and expansion clearances control the first siding course. - [Roof Step Flashing Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/roof-step-flashing-planning-guide.txt): Estimate step-flashing pieces from shingle courses and understand the required relationship between shingles, underlayment, wall drainage plane, counterflashing and kick-out flashing. - [Resilient Channel Sound Isolation Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/resilient-channel-sound-isolation-guide.txt): Plan channel rows and stock lengths while avoiding installation errors that short-circuit the decoupling intended by tested wall and ceiling assemblies. - [Acoustic Sealant Coverage and Flanking Paths Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/acoustic-sealant-and-flanking-paths-guide.txt): Estimate perimeter and penetration sealant while understanding how air gaps, service penetrations and unsealed edges undermine sound-rated assemblies. - [Subfloor Adhesive Bead Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/subfloor-adhesive-bead-planning-guide.txt): Estimate adhesive bead length along joists, blocking and panel supports while coordinating panel spacing, fastening and placement before the adhesive skins. - [Hurricane Tie Quantity and Fastener Planning Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/hurricane-tie-quantity-and-fastener-guide.txt): Count roof framing connections and approved connector fasteners without treating a material takeoff as wind design or continuous-load-path verification. - [Catch Basin Gravel Base and Backfill Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/catch-basin-gravel-base-and-backfill-guide.txt): Measure a level gravel base and side-backfill zone while separating material quantity from runoff sizing, grate selection, pipe slope and traffic loading. - [Hot Water Recirculation Heat Loss Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/hot-water-recirculation-heat-loss-guide.txt): Understand loop heat loss, pump energy, runtime controls and why demand-initiated operation can reduce the energy penalty of always-hot piping. - [HVAC Condensate Drain Layout Guide](https://buildmeter.net/ai/guides/hvac-condensate-drain-layout-guide.txt): Plan gravity drain length, continuous fall, supports, service access and pump alternatives without using a material calculator to size equipment drainage capacity. ## Guide collections - [Concrete & Masonry guide collection](https://buildmeter.net/guides/#concrete-masonry): Concrete volume, placement assumptions, bag yield, reinforcement and masonry planning references. - [Flooring & Finishes guide collection](https://buildmeter.net/guides/#flooring-finishes): Room measurement, flooring waste, drywall dimensions, paint coverage and finish-material planning. - [Landscaping Materials guide collection](https://buildmeter.net/guides/#landscaping-materials): Gravel, mulch, rock and outdoor material volume, weight and coverage references. - [Excavation & Drainage guide collection](https://buildmeter.net/guides/#excavation-drainage): Excavation measurement, drainage trenches, pipe bedding and earthwork planning methods. - [Structures & Carpentry guide collection](https://buildmeter.net/guides/#structures-carpentry): Roof measurement, lumber dimensions, framing quantities and structural material references. - [Energy & Electrical guide collection](https://buildmeter.net/guides/#energy-electrical): Voltage drop, electrical planning, insulation and energy-use measurement references. - [Water & Mechanical guide collection](https://buildmeter.net/guides/#water-mechanical): Pipe volume, water storage, plumbing quantities and mechanical-system planning references. ## Machine-readable resources - [Expanded LLM context](https://buildmeter.net/llms-full.txt): Site identity, full guide text and all calculator links. - [AI resource manifest](https://buildmeter.net/ai-resources.json): JSON catalog of machine-readable resources, categories, guides and calculators. - [Guide RSS feed](https://buildmeter.net/feed.xml): RSS 2.0 feed for BuildMeter Guides. - [Guide JSON feed](https://buildmeter.net/feed.json): JSON Feed 1.1 for BuildMeter Guides. - [XML sitemap index](https://buildmeter.net/sitemap.xml): Canonical HTML URL discovery. ## Optional - [About BuildMeter](https://buildmeter.net/about/) - [Corrections and feedback](https://buildmeter.net/corrections/) - [Public changelog](https://buildmeter.net/changelog/) - [Privacy policy](https://buildmeter.net/privacy/) - [Terms of use](https://buildmeter.net/terms/)