Estimate adhesive, containers, and project spend fast. Switch units, add waste, and compare spreads. Get clear results for bids, ordering, and control onsite daily.
| Scenario | Area | Coverage | Coats | Porosity | Waste | Container | Total adhesive | Containers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office renovation | 120 m2 | 7.0 m2/L | 1 | 1.05 | 8% | 10 L | 19.440 L | 2 |
| Hotel corridor | 250 m2 | 5.0 m2/L | 1 | 1.15 | 10% | 15 L | 63.250 L | 5 |
| Heavy-duty area | 180 m2 | 3.5 m2/L | 1 | 1.10 | 12% | 5 gal | 62.742 L | 4 |
This calculator estimates adhesive quantity from area, coverage, coats, substrate absorption, and waste. Coverage is interpreted as m2/L (or converted from ft2/gal).
Adhesive is a small line item that can create large delays. Under-ordering stops installation, forces rushed purchases, and risks bond failure if crews stretch coverage beyond the manufacturer range. Over-ordering ties up cash and leaves partially used containers that may not store well. A consistent estimating method improves procurement, scheduling, and quality control across projects.
Coverage is typically listed as area per unit volume, such as m2/L or ft2/gal. It depends on trowel notch size, adhesive type, backing system, and substrate profile. Use the product data sheet whenever possible, then verify on a small test patch. If the substrate is rough or highly porous, expect lower effective coverage.
Concrete that is open, dusty, or patched can absorb more adhesive and reduce working time. Primers, skim coats, or moisture mitigation systems may change spread behavior. The porosity factor in this calculator lets you apply a controlled adjustment: values above 1.00 increase usage for porous bases; values below 1.00 reflect sealed or very smooth floors.
Waste is not just spillage. It includes edge work, cut-ins, uneven application, container residue, and intermittent stoppages that cause partial set-up in trays. For straightforward rooms, 5–8% may be reasonable. For complex layouts or strict access windows, 10–15% can be safer. Keep the allowance consistent for comparable bids.
Temperature and humidity affect open time and tack development. Cold floors can slow tack and reduce early bond, while high heat can shorten working time. Plan crew size and mixing/application cycles so adhesive is placed and carpet is laid within the recommended window. Always follow safety guidance for ventilation and PPE.
Purchasing by container size reduces ordering errors. This tool converts liters and gallons, then rounds up to whole containers so your purchase order matches real packaging. If you are working across multiple floors, include handling time and staging constraints when choosing larger pails versus smaller units.
Example: a 120 m2 office uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive at 7.0 m2/L, one coat, porosity 1.05, and 8% waste. Net adhesive is (120/7.0)×1×1.05 = 18.000 L, and total becomes 18.000×1.08 = 19.440 L. With 10 L containers, you buy 2 containers, leaving about 0.560 L as planned overbuy for touch-ups.
Confirm substrate moisture and cleanliness, match trowel notch to the specified spread, record actual usage per zone, and compare to the estimate. When usage differs, adjust porosity and waste assumptions for future phases. Consistent records help you standardize estimating and reduce rework on every job.
Use presets for early budgeting. For purchasing and installation planning, switch to Custom and enter the spread rate from the product data sheet or a verified site test.
New or porous concrete often needs 1.05 to 1.20. If the surface is sealed or primed, 0.90 to 1.00 may be suitable. Validate with a small trial area.
Adhesive is purchased in whole containers. Rounding up prevents shortages and shows planned overbuy, which can cover touch-ups, edge work, and minor rework.
The calculator converts automatically. If you need a manual check, multiply ft2/gal by 0.09290304, then divide by 3.785411784 to get m2/L.
Many teams use 5–8% for simple rooms. Use 10–15% for complex layouts, tight schedules, or rough substrates. Track actual usage to refine your default allowance.
Yes. Enter the price per container and select the currency. The tool multiplies the rounded container count by the unit price to provide an estimated adhesive material cost.
No. Always follow the adhesive data sheet for spread, open time, temperature limits, and safety requirements. This calculator supports planning, purchasing, and recordkeeping.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.