Global Settings
Applied on each circuit's subtotal.
Extra length per bend.
Used to suggest purchase quantities.
Quick Actions
Export
Exports include settings and the results table.
Circuits
Advanced options per row| Name | Run Type | Material | Path Length (ft) | Panel Distance (ft) | Include Panel? | Drops | Drop Length (ft) | Return? | Risers | Rise Height (ft) | Bends | Slack/Drop (ft) | Notes |
|---|
Total Length: 0 ft
Suggested Spools: —
Results by Circuit
| # | Name | Run Type | Material | Computed Length (ft) | Notes |
|---|
Material Legend
Colors help you visually group circuits by material in tables and PDFs.
Example Data
Click "Load Example Data" to populate these three representative circuits:
| Name | Run Type | Material | Path | Panel | Include Panel | Drops | Drop Len | Return | Risers | Rise H | Bends | Slack/Drop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting Loop A | Radial | NM-B 14/2 | 120 | 0 | Yes | 6 | 8 | No | 2 | 10 | 6 | 1.5 | Use 14/2 NM-B |
| Kitchen Small Appliances | Star | NM-B 12/2 | 35 | 15 | No | 4 | 6 | No | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 20A GFCI circuit |
| AC Condenser | Single | UF-B 12/2 | 55 | 0 | Yes | 1 | 3 | Yes | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2 | UF cable outdoors |
Formula Used
For each circuit i, the base length Lbase,i is assembled from horizontal path, vertical runs, slack, and bend allowances. Let:
P= path length (one-way). For Radial: panel to farthest device. For Star: average branch length. For Single: direct device run.J= panel distance to first junction (added when "Include Panel?" is unchecked).N= number of drops,D= drop length per drop.R= riser count,H= rise height.B= number of bends,a= allowance per bend.s= slack per drop,p= global slack percentage,Spanel= slack at panel.ret= 1 if return run required, else 0.
Then:
Radial: L_base = P + (includePanel ? 0 : J) + N·D + R·H + B·a + N·s + S_panel + ret·(P + (includePanel ? 0 : J)) Star: L_base = N · [ P + (includePanel ? 0 : J) + D ] + R·H + B·a + N·s + S_panel // Star uses average branch length P replicated per drop. Single: L_base = P + (includePanel ? 0 : J) + D + R·H + B·a + s + S_panel + ret·(P + (includePanel ? 0 : J)) Apply global slack: L = L_base · (1 + p/100)
All inputs use the chosen unit; calculations are linear sums suitable for estimating cable purchase lengths.
How to Use
- Select your unit, global slack, bend allowance, and spool sizes.
- Click Add Circuit Row or load the example set.
- Choose a Material preset for each circuit; adjust the Notes if needed.
- Per circuit, choose run type and fill fields. Uncheck Include Panel? to add a separate junction distance.
- Toggle Return? when a run must return to origin (e.g., certain controls).
- Press Calculate to update totals and spool suggestions.
- Export results via CSV or PDF for purchasing and records.
FAQs
If checked, the path length already includes the distance from the panel to the first device or junction. If unchecked, the Panel Distance is added separately.
Use it when a conductor must loop back to the origin, such as certain control circuits or when a dedicated return path is required beyond the standard cable conductors.
Radial assumes a single trunk visiting devices sequentially. Star assumes average branch runs from a hub or panel to each device, multiplying the average length by the number of drops.
Yes. Select the unit at the top. Inputs and outputs are interpreted and labeled in the selected unit; values are not auto-converted to avoid accidental changes mid-design.
A common planning allowance is 0.5–1.5 ft per bend depending on radius and pulling difficulty. Adjust to your method, conduit size, and cable type.
It estimates cable length, not conductor count. For MWBC or shared neutrals, calculate cable length here, then separately ensure conductor sizing and code compliance.
No. This is a planning tool. Always verify against local codes, manufacturer instructions, and professional standards before purchasing or installation.