Free project planning calculators
Calculate what to buy before you build
Material Tally helps homeowners, DIYers, and contractors estimate common project materials before going to the store or calling a supplier. Use the calculators to turn measurements into practical buying quantities for concrete, paint, flooring, mulch, gravel, and fence posts, then read guides like How to Estimate Concrete for a Slab and Material Estimate Checklist Before You Buy to understand the assumptions behind the numbers.
What Material Tally helps you plan
Material estimates are rarely just one formula. A useful estimate needs dimensions, units, product coverage, waste factor, packaging size, and sometimes cost. Material Tally brings those assumptions into simple calculators so you can see both the exact math and the rounded buying quantity. The goal is not to replace a contractor or supplier. It is to help you show up with clearer measurements, better questions, and fewer surprises.
Measure clearly
Break the project into dimensions the calculator can use, such as length, width, depth, height, coats, or post spacing.
Adjust assumptions
Use realistic waste factors, coverage rates, bag sizes, box coverage, and densities based on the product you plan to buy.
Buy with context
Review rounded purchase quantities and related guides before visiting a store, ordering delivery, or requesting a contractor quote.
Start with the project path that matches the job
The fastest way to get a better estimate is to start with the right project workflow. These paths connect the main calculators to the support guides that explain waste, prep, ordering, and buying assumptions.
Slabs, pads, and poured projects
Start here for patios, shed pads, walkways, footings, and other concrete planning work.
Start with
Concrete CalculatorFence layout and post planning
Use this path when the job depends on spacing, post counts, hole depth, and concrete bag estimates.
Start with
Fence Post CalculatorFlooring, gravel, and coverage materials
Compare waste, coverage, and buying units for floors, base materials, gravel, mulch, and similar projects.
Start with
Flooring CalculatorRoom refresh and buying checks
Best for paint jobs and any project where the shopping list needs a final sanity check before purchase.
Start with
Paint CalculatorChoose a material calculator
Each calculator includes a clear explanation, the math behind the estimate, FAQs, and links to related planning guides.
Featured guides
Use these articles to understand measurement methods, waste factors, product assumptions, and buying decisions before starting a project.
Concrete
How to Estimate Concrete for a Slab
Learn how slab thickness, form size, waste factor, and cubic-yard conversion affect a concrete order.
Read guideConcrete
Concrete Slab Prep and Ordering Checks
Run through the form, base, access, reinforcement, and ordering questions that matter before you schedule a concrete slab pour.
Read guideFencing
Fence Post Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the common layout, spacing, gate, depth, and concrete mistakes that can make a fence estimate look right but build poorly.
Read guidePlanning
Estimating Waste by Material Type
Choose better waste factors by separating breakage, cuts, spillage, compaction, and product packaging across material types.
Read guidePlanning
Gravel vs Concrete vs Pavers for Project Planning
Compare how gravel, concrete, and pavers differ in measurement method, base prep, waste, and ordering so you can plan the right material workflow.
Read guidePlanning
Material Estimate Checklist Before You Buy
Use this checklist to review measurements, waste, product specs, delivery, code issues, and supplier questions before purchasing materials.
Read guide