Inputs
Linear lengths
Coats, widths, and thickness
Skim coating (optional)
Packaging
Results
Total volume
Suggested containers
Breakdown
| Segment | L | US gal |
|---|
Tips
- Use realistic coat widths and thin applications; thick layers add weight and sanding work.
- Corner passes count on both sides; multipliers manage applied width per side.
- Waste varies by technique; increase allowance for heavy sanding or textured finishes.
How the calculator works
Volume per coat is length × width × thickness. Inside and outside corners are treated as two faces each. Butt joints use a width multiplier to reflect wider feathering.
| Coat | Width | Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tape | 2 in | 1/32 in | Embed tape; narrow pass. |
| Fill | 6 in | ~0.025 in | Level joints; wider pass. |
| Finish | 10 in | ~0.015 in | Feather to final width. |
FAQs
Results are engineering estimates based on the widths and thickness you enter. Actual usage varies with substrate flatness, tool angle, sanding loss, and skill level.
Common starting points are tape around 2 in, fill around 6 in, and finish around 10 in. Thickness often ranges from 1/64 in to 1/32 in per pass.
The calculator counts two faces for corners automatically. You can adjust inside and outside corner width multipliers to better match your technique and tools.
Yes. Enter wall or ceiling area, the number of skim passes, and a thin skim thickness. This adds directly to total volume.
Yes. Set a waste percentage to cover over-application, sanding dust, and container residue. Increase it for heavy sanding or textured surfaces.
You can specify US gallons and liters. The tool shows suggested bucket counts for both, rounding up to whole containers.