Calculator Inputs
Responsive form: 3 / 2 / 1 columnsExample Data Table
Sample scenario for checking your inputs and outputs.
| Scenario | Area | System | Key Inputs | Typical Outputs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse bay | 120 m² | Primer + 2 epoxy coats | 1.5 mm/coat, 100% solids, 10% waste, primer 8 m²/L | Epoxy ≈ 396 L, Primer ≈ 27.5 L, Kits rounded up |
| Garage | 500 ft² | 1 epoxy coat + topcoat | 30 mil, 95% solids, 12% waste, topcoat 450 ft²/gal | Material in gallons, kit split A/B, cost breakdown |
Formula Used
Liters (adjusted) = Liters ÷ Solids × (1 + Waste%)
Liters (adjusted) = Liters ÷ Solids × (1 + Waste%)
Part B = Total × B / (A + B)
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your unit system and choose how you will enter area.
- Enter waste percentage based on surface condition and crew practice.
- Set epoxy coats and thickness per coat to match the specification.
- If using primer or topcoat, enter their coverage rates and coats.
- Update mix ratios, kit sizes, and costs from product data sheets.
- Press Calculate to see volumes, A/B split, kits, and costs.
- Use the download buttons to export a CSV or PDF report.
Epoxy Flooring Estimation Guide
1) Why accurate takeoffs matter
Epoxy systems are performance coatings, not just paint. Material shortages interrupt wet edges, reduce finish quality, and can force unplanned batch mixing. Over-ordering ties up cash and increases the risk of expired components. A consistent estimating method improves procurement, scheduling, and client confidence.
2) Start with the substrate
Concrete porosity, profile, and moisture condition drive consumption. A rougher profile and higher absorption increase primer demand, while pinholes and bugholes can increase build coat usage. Always confirm the surface preparation level (shot blasting, grinding, CSP target) before locking quantities.
3) Thickness and solids: the real drivers
For build coats, thickness converts directly to volume because 1 m² at 1 mm equals 1 liter. If the product is less than 100% solids, more liquid is needed to reach the same dry film build. This calculator applies the solids adjustment automatically so estimates remain comparable across products.
4) Coverage-based layers
Primers and many topcoats are estimated using coverage rates from the data sheet. Coverage typically assumes a prepared surface and a target wet film thickness. Enter the manufacturer coverage (m²/L or ft²/gal), then apply coats and waste to match field conditions.
5) Waste allowance you can defend
Waste is not a guess; it reflects roller loss, mixing residue, edge detailing, and surface variability. For smooth slabs and experienced crews, 5–10% is common. For porous slabs, multiple penetrations, or tight schedules, 10–15% may be more realistic.
6) Kit rounding and mix ratio planning
Ordering is done in kits, not decimals. The calculator rounds kits up to prevent shortages and splits total volume into Part A and Part B by ratio. This helps crews stage materials and maintain accurate mixing without introducing off-ratio batches.
7) Field checks before ordering
Before purchasing, confirm temperature limits, recoat windows, and pot life for your crew size. Check moisture vapor transmission and verify that primers and topcoats are compatible. A short site mockup can validate coverage assumptions and reduce change orders.
Example data set
Use the following example to validate your workflow and reporting:
- Area: 75 m²
- System: 1 primer coat + 2 epoxy coats
- Epoxy: 1.2 mm/coat, 100% solids, 2:1 mix, 15 L kit
- Primer: 7.5 m²/L, 60% solids, 1:1 mix, 10 L kit
- Waste: 10% (roller loss + detailing)
Run the calculator, then export the CSV/PDF to attach to your purchase request or client proposal. If your field consumption differs, adjust waste and coverage assumptions until your estimate reflects real site behavior.
FAQs
1) What thickness should I use for a standard epoxy floor?
Use the project specification first. Light-duty areas may use thinner builds, while warehouses often need thicker systems. Enter thickness per coat and number of coats to match the designed total build.
2) Why does solids percentage change the quantity?
Lower-solids products contain more carrier that does not remain in the final film. To achieve the same dry build, you must apply more liquid volume. The calculator increases liters accordingly.
3) Should primer be calculated by thickness too?
Most primers are specified by coverage and penetration rather than a precise build thickness. Coverage rates reflect how the primer wets and seals the substrate, so the coverage method is typically more reliable.
4) How do I pick a waste percentage?
Start with 5–10% for smooth slabs and experienced crews. Increase for porous substrates, heavy edge work, frequent batch changes, or aggressive profiles. Track actual usage to refine future estimates.
5) What if my area is irregular or has cutouts?
Switch to direct area mode and enter the net measured area. Subtract large penetrations and openings. For many small obstructions, include a modest waste allowance to cover edge detailing.
6) Why are kits rounded up?
Shortages cause delays and finish defects, especially when maintaining wet edges. Rounding up ensures you have enough mixed material. Any remainder can be used for touchups or small auxiliary areas.
7) Can I include installation costs?
Yes. Enter a labor rate per m² or per ft² depending on the unit system. The calculator adds labor to the material subtotal and reports a combined grand total for budgeting.