Calculator
Siding calculator
Add each wall, any gables, and your windows and doors. You get net wall area, squares, cartons from your product's label coverage, and trim lengths.
Result
Press Calculate to see your takeoff.
Pre-1978 house? Disturbing old painted trim can release lead dust. Hire an EPA lead-safe certified firm. Siding and trim guide · Fascia and soffit calculator
How to use this tool
- Add each wall as width × height, and each gable as a triangle.
- Subtract windows and doors so you only price the wall you’re covering.
- Enter the carton coverage from the product you’re considering.
- Read net squares, trim footage and the planning range.
Siding in Ohio and Michigan
Many older homes in the region were built before 1978, so removing old siding or trim can disturb lead paint. Hire a firm certified in EPA lead-safe practices. House wrap and flashing at windows and doors matter as much as the panels, because wind-driven rain and snowmelt find every gap.
Siding materials compared
| Material | Upkeep | Cold-weather notes | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Wash occasionally; no paint | Can crack from impacts in deep cold | Our planning range covers standard-grade vinyl only |
| Insulated vinyl | Same as vinyl | Foam backing stiffens panels and adds some R-value | Costs more; trim details change |
| Fiber cement | Repaint every several years | Stable through freeze-thaw when edges are sealed | Heavier; needs specialized cutting and dust control |
| Engineered wood | Repaint; keep ends sealed | Needs clearance from roofs and ground | Moisture at cut edges is the weak point |
| Aluminum or steel | Low | Dents from hail; steel can rust at cuts | Fewer styles; noisy in rain |
Get a free inspection or multiple bids
Free Asset Protection Inspection
Have the roof you're worried about looked at in person, at no cost and with no obligation. Homes, commercial buildings and HOA communities in Ohio and Michigan.
Inspections are done by our founder, Jonathan Blake, or, if you allow it, by the independent roofing and exterior contractor he works for.
Get three comparable bids
- Save or print this tool's result so every contractor starts from the same numbers.
- Ask at least three contractors for a written proposal on the same scope.
- Compare line by line: area, tear-off, repairs, materials, permits, warranty.
Why plan here first
| What you get | Midwest Roof Calculators | National cost websites | A first number on the doorstep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for Ohio and Michigan weather and permits | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Shows the formula and every assumption | Yes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| See results before giving contact details | Yes | Often not | No |
| Ranges labeled with what they include and exclude | Yes | Varies | Varies |
| Questions to ask every contractor | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Replaces an in-person inspection | No, and we say so | No | No |
General comparison of approaches, not of any named company.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure a gable?
Measure the width at the base of the triangle and the height from that base to the peak. The calculator takes half of width times height.
Should I subtract windows and doors?
Yes, list them. They are subtracted from the wall area, and their perimeters are used to estimate J-channel.
How many squares of siding do I need?
Net wall area divided by 100 gives squares. Add your waste allowance, then use the carton coverage printed on the product to count cartons.
Does this include house wrap, soffit or fascia?
No. Those are separate items. Use the fascia and soffit calculator for eaves and rakes.
Want siding quotes?
Takes about 30 seconds. No obligation, and we never sell your information.