Siding Calculator

Squares of vinyl, lap or board and batten, with openings deducted and trim counted.

Project Details
Enter your measurements and requirements
$
Results
Calculated estimates for your project
Wall area1,456 sq ft
Openings deducted192 sq ft
Squares to order14
J-channel or trim174 ft
Corner posts4
Starter strip147 ft
Estimated cost$2,100

Turn these numbers into a build plan.

  • 1,264 sq ft net wall
  • 14.0 squares order
  • 174 ft j-channel
Materials List
Recommended materials and quantities
Vinyl siding14 squares

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Project plan · built from your numbers

Vinyl siding, 14.0 squares

1,264 sq ft of wall after openings, ordered at 1,390 sq ft with waste.

Materials
$2,100
Time
3 weekends
Level
Advanced
6 steps 4 tools 5 materials
  1. 1

    Check permits and strip old siding

    Ask your building department about a permit. Test older paint for lead before disturbing it.

  2. 2

    Repair and wrap

    Fix soft sheathing, then lap the weather barrier from the bottom up.

  3. 3

    Flash the openings

    Flash sills first, then sides, then heads, so water always laps out.

01 · Your numbers
Net wall
1,264 sq ft
Order
14.0 squares
J-channel
174 ft
Est. cost
$2,100
02 · The plan

6 steps · 4 tools · 5 materials

3 more steps, the full tool list and a shopping list you can check off as you go.

03 · Finished

Your plan is 60% built. Save it.

3/5

Vinyl siding, 14.0 squares

Finished in 3 weekends · $2,100 DIY

Built for your net wall of 1,264 sq ft. Your first plan saves free. No card needed.

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How to calculate siding

One square covers 100 sq ft. Flash openings before siding: the door and window flashing guide shows the order.

  1. Measure walls. Multiply perimeter by wall height.
  2. Add gables. Each gable is half its width times its rise.
  3. Deduct openings. Subtract about 15 sq ft per window and 21 per door.
  4. Add waste and convert. Add 10 to 12%, then divide by 100 to get squares.

Frequently asked questions

How many squares of siding do I need?

Take the wall area, subtract openings, add 10 to 12% for waste and divide by 100. A 1,264 sq ft net wall takes 14 squares of vinyl.

Should I deduct windows and doors?

Yes for large openings, but keep the waste allowance, since cuts around openings use extra material.

How much waste should I add?

Plan on 10% for vinyl on simple walls and 12% for fiber cement or board and batten. Complex walls need more.

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