Calculator Inputs
Plotly Graph
The chart compares linear footage and stock pieces for boards and battens.
Example Data Table
| Wall Width | Wall Height | Board Width | Batten Width | Reveal | Waste | Net Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 ft | 10 ft | 10 in | 2.5 in | 12 in | 10% | 240 sq ft |
| 32 ft | 9 ft | 8 in | 2 in | 10 in | 12% | 276 sq ft |
| 18 ft | 12 ft | 12 in | 3 in | 14 in | 8% | 216 sq ft |
Formula Used
Gross Wall Area = Wall Width × Wall Height × Number of Walls
Net Wall Area = Gross Wall Area − Opening Deductions
Boards Per Wall = Ceiling(Wall Width in Inches ÷ Board Width in Inches)
Module Width = Reveal Width + Batten Width
Panels Per Wall = Ceiling(Wall Width in Inches ÷ Module Width)
Battens Per Wall = Panels Per Wall + 1, when edge battens are included
Adjusted Linear Feet = Count × Wall Height × (Net Area ÷ Gross Area)
Waste Adjusted Footage = Adjusted Linear Feet × (1 + Waste %)
Total Cost = Board Cost + Batten Cost
This method is ideal for planning and estimating. Real projects may need extra allowance for corners, trim details, pattern matching, offcuts, and field adjustments.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter wall width, wall height, and how many matching walls you are covering.
- Subtract windows and doors using the openings deduction field.
- Add your board width, batten width, and preferred reveal spacing.
- Set waste allowance and stock lengths to match what you plan to buy.
- Enter board and batten costs per linear foot for a quick budget estimate.
- Submit the form to view quantities, stock pieces, cost totals, and the graph above the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a board and batten calculator estimate?
It estimates wall area, board counts, batten counts, waste-adjusted linear footage, stock pieces, and material cost. It helps you plan siding layouts before buying materials.
2. Why is reveal width important?
Reveal width affects the visual spacing between battens. It also changes the module width, which influences the number of panels and battens needed across the wall.
3. Should I include edge battens?
Include them when your design uses battens at both layout edges. Turn them off when corners, trim boards, or other details replace those outside battens.
4. Can I deduct doors and windows?
Yes. Enter total opening area in square feet. This calculator reduces estimated footage proportionally, which is useful for early planning and takeoff work.
5. Does this calculator handle trim and corner boards?
Not directly. It focuses on boards and battens. Add extra material separately for corner boards, starter strips, top trim, flashing, and jobsite mistakes.
6. Why add a waste percentage?
Waste covers cuts, defects, bad pieces, layout adjustments, and offcuts. Straightforward walls may need less, while complex elevations usually need more.
7. Are the stock piece totals exact?
They are practical estimates based on total linear footage and stock length. Real cutting plans can change totals depending on wall breaks and reuse of offcuts.
8. Is this suitable for construction budgeting?
Yes, for conceptual estimating and material planning. Final procurement should still verify site measurements, manufacturer specs, trim details, and installation method.