Screen Material Calculator

Measure your garden frames and plan screen coverage. Add overlaps and waste for confident ordering. See rolls, costs, and leftovers in seconds right now.

Enter project details

Choose the shape you are screening.
Used for panel dimensions and perimeter.
How many identical sections you will cover.
For beds, frames, or screens.
Use inside or outside dimensions consistently.
For round hoops or tunnels.
Assumes a right triangle for perimeter.
Used with base to compute area.
Enter already-calculated area in square meters.
Used only for fastener estimates.
For double screening or reinforcement.
Extra for seams and edge wraps.
Covers trimming and handling losses.
Common widths: 1.2 m, 1.5 m, 2.0 m.
Use the label on the product packaging.
Choose how your screen material is priced.
Currency is your choice.
Useful for bulk mesh sheets.
Estimates clips or staples along the perimeter.
Typical: 15–25 cm for netting.

Example data table

Scenario Inputs Adjusted buy area Rolls needed Leftover
Bed covers Rectangle 2.0 × 1.2 m, qty 6, layers 1
Overlap 5%, waste 10%, roll 1.5 m × 30 m
16.632 m² 1 28.368 m²
Round pots Circle D 1.0 m, qty 10, layers 1
Overlap 8%, waste 12%, roll 1.2 m × 25 m
9.500 m² 1 20.500 m²
Windbreak panels Triangle 2.5 × 1.6 m, qty 4, layers 2
Overlap 6%, waste 10%, roll 1.8 m × 20 m
18.656 m² 1 17.344 m²
Tip: Increase overlap for curved frames or stitched seams.

Formula used

  • Panel area depends on shape: Rectangle = L×W, Circle = π×(D/2)², Triangle = ½×B×H, Custom = given area.
  • Base total area: Base = PanelArea × Quantity.
  • Layers: LayeredArea = Base × Layers.
  • Allowances: BuyArea = LayeredArea × (1+Overlap%) × (1+Waste%).
  • Rolls needed: Rolls = ceil(BuyArea / (RollWidth×RollLength)).
  • Linear length needed (from roll width): Linear = BuyArea / RollWidth.
  • Fasteners (optional): Count ≈ ceil(TotalPerimeter / Spacing).

How to use this calculator

  1. Select the panel shape and your measurement units.
  2. Enter the dimensions for one panel and the quantity.
  3. Set layers, overlap, and waste to match your install method.
  4. Enter the roll width and roll length from the product label.
  5. Choose a pricing mode and add your unit price.
  6. Enable fasteners if you want a perimeter-based estimate.
  7. Press Calculate to view results above the form.
  8. Use Download CSV or Download PDF for purchasing records.

Choosing the right screen material

Garden screens cover insect netting, shade mesh, and windbreak fabric. Mesh size and shade rating affect airflow, light, and pest control. UV-stabilized products last longer outdoors and resist tearing. Changes in thickness and roll width also change how many seams and overlaps you should plan for.

Measuring frames with real-world tolerances

Measure the outside path the material will follow, not just the opening. Hoop tunnels and cages need extra length for curvature plus edge anchoring. If you use clips, battens, or channels, include that routing distance. Enter measurements in any supported unit, and the calculator standardizes results in square meters.

Overlap, seams, and waste allowances

Overlap covers stitching, taping, hems, and tie-down margins. Flat panels often work with 5–8% overlap, while curved frames and multi-panel joins may need 8–15%. Waste accounts for trimming and miscuts. Raise waste when cutting circles or triangles from rectangular rolls.

Translating roll specs into purchase quantities

Roll area equals roll width multiplied by roll length. The calculator divides your adjusted buy area by roll area and rounds up to whole rolls. It also reports linear length needed, which helps when suppliers cut by the meter. Cost can be estimated per roll or per square meter.

Installation details that change demand

Perimeter and fastener spacing influence clips, staples, or ties. Tighter spacing improves wind resistance but increases hardware. Multiple layers multiply area directly and can change ventilation, so plan access openings early. Use leftover material for repair patches and door flaps.

Example data
Bed cover: 2.0 × 1.2 m, qty 6, overlap 5%, waste 10%, roll 1.5 × 30 m.
Round pot cover: D 1.0 m, qty 10, overlap 8%, waste 12%, roll 1.2 × 25 m.
Windbreak: base 2.5 m, height 1.6 m, qty 4, layers 2, roll 1.8 × 20 m.

FAQs

1) What overlap percentage should I start with?
Start with 5–8% for flat panels. Use 8–15% for curved hoops, stitched seams, or heavy tie-downs. Increase overlap if you expect frequent removal and re-clipping.

2) How do I choose a waste percentage?
Use 8–10% for straight cuts and simple shapes. Use 10–20% for circles, triangles, or many cutouts. If you are matching patterns or reinforcing edges, add extra waste.

3) Why are results shown in square meters?
Square meters keep comparisons consistent across units. You can enter feet, inches, or centimeters, and the calculator converts to meters internally so area, roll sizing, and costs remain aligned.

4) What does “linear length needed” mean?
It is the length of material required from a roll at your chosen roll width. It helps when suppliers cut from a bulk roll and charge per meter rather than selling full rolls.

5) When should I use multiple layers?
Use layers for stronger windbreaks, better pest exclusion, or combined shade and insect control. Each layer multiplies the base area, so confirm your frame can handle added heat and reduced airflow.

6) How accurate is the fastener estimate?
It is a spacing-based perimeter estimate. Real installations may need extra fasteners at corners, doors, and high-wind edges. Treat it as a purchasing baseline, then add a small buffer.

7) Why do I still get leftover area after rounding rolls?
Rolls are counted as whole units, so the calculator rounds up to ensure coverage. Leftover area can be useful for repairs, patches, or future add-ons like vents and access flaps.

Designed for netting, insect screens, shade mesh, and row covers.

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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.