Inputs
US Customary
Change at start for correct labels and rates.
Sets typical coats; adjust as needed.
Applies multiplier to all coverage rates.
Total taped straight joints (butt + tapered).
Counts both legs as one length.
Metal/plastic bead corners or arcs.
Enter only if planning a skim coat.
Default ≈ 0.012 gal/lf/coat (adjust by product datasheet).
Default ≈ 0.018 gal/lf/coat.
Default ≈ 0.025 gal/lf/coat.
Default ≈ 0.0125 gal/sq ft/coat (≈80 sq ft/gal).
Common premix sizes.
Results
Total compound
0.000 gal
Recommended buckets
0 × 4.5 gal
| Category | Length/Area | Coats | Rate | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run a calculation to populate breakdown. | ||||
| Total before waste | 0.000 | |||
| Waste added | 0.000 | |||
| Grand total | 0.000 | |||
Units shown match the current selection. Buckets rounded up to nearest whole container.
Example Data Table Typical coats by finish level
| Finish Level | Flat Seams | Inside Corners | Outside Corners | Skim Coats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Fire-taping / concealed areas |
| Level 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Back-of-house, garages |
| Level 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Medium texture or heavies |
| Level 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Standard paint / light texture |
| Level 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Critical light / flat paints |
Adjust per product data sheets and spec requirements.
Formula Used
The calculator sums each category’s subtotal and applies waste:
Subtotal_flat = length_flat × coats_flat × rate_flat Subtotal_inside = length_inside × coats_inside × rate_inside Subtotal_out = length_outside × coats_outside × rate_outside Subtotal_skim = area_skim × coats_skim × rate_skim Total_before_waste = Σ(Subtotals) Grand_total = Total_before_waste × (1 + waste_pct/100)
Rates are per coat. Choose a coverage profile to scale all rates. Containers are computed by dividing the grand total by bucket size and rounding up.
How to Use
- Select the unit system, finish level, and coverage profile.
- Enter lengths for flat seams, inside corners, and outside beads.
- If needed, add surface area for a skim coat.
- Set coat counts and coverage rates per coat, or keep defaults.
- Choose waste percentage and preferred bucket size.
- Click Calculate, then export the results to CSV or PDF.
FAQs
No. Coverage depends on product type, technique, board porosity, temperature, and substrate. Always check the manufacturer datasheet and adjust the rates accordingly.
Ten percent is a common starting point. Increase for complex framing, heavy feathering, beginners, tight spaces, or when finishing under critical lighting.
Presets primarily set coat counts typical of each level. Coverage rates remain editable so you can align them with brand specifications and crew technique.
Unit changes update labels and defaults. Enter values using the shown units. Totals and container sizes are reported in the same system for clarity.
Yes. Set finish to Level 5 to suggest one skim coat and enter the wall or ceiling area you plan to skim.
Common premix pails are 4.5–5 gallons. For small patches, use smaller containers. The tool shows full and partial containers to help you buy efficiently.