Quick answer: Start every home project by measuring: length × width gives square feet, and length × width × thickness ÷ 27 gives cubic yards of concrete. Then use the cost calculators below for 2026 planning ranges, such as $75 to $250 per sq ft for a kitchen remodel or $10 to $72 per linear foot for an installed fence, and add a 10 to 15% contingency.
All 19 home and building calculators
Measure first, then price the job
- Measure the area or length with the square footage or room size calculator.
- Work out materials: concrete volume, flooring with waste, paintable wall area.
- Estimate the cost with the matching cost calculator for the project.
- Add a contingency of 10 to 15%, then compare three itemized quotes.
Formulas every project uses
| Measurement | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Area of a rectangle | length × width | 12 × 14 ft = 168 sq ft |
| Area of a circle | π × radius² | π × 5² = 78.54 sq ft |
| Volume of a slab | length × width × (thickness in ÷ 12) | 10 × 10 × 0.333 = 33.3 cu ft |
| Cubic feet to cubic yards | cu ft ÷ 27 | 33.3 ÷ 27 = 1.23 cu yd |
| Square feet to square meters | sq ft × 0.092903 | 280 sq ft = 26.01 m² |
| Price per square foot | price ÷ square feet | $390,000 ÷ 1,800 = $216.67 |
2026 cost cheat sheet
Planning ranges used by the calculators in this category. Local prices vary, so use them to budget and to sanity-check quotes.
| Project | Typical 2026 range | Guide or tool |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $75 – $250 per sq ft; high-end $300 – $450 | Kitchen cost breakdown |
| Fence, installed | $10 – $72 per linear ft by material | Fence cost per foot |
| Concrete, bagged | 45 × 80 lb bags per cubic yard | How much concrete |
| Old fence removal | $3 – $5 per linear ft | Fence calculator |
| Contingency for any remodel | 10 – 15% of the budget | All cost tools |
Unit conversions for builders
| From | To | Multiply by |
|---|---|---|
| Square feet | Square meters | 0.092903 |
| Square meters | Square feet | 10.7639 |
| Cubic yards | Cubic feet | 27 |
| Cubic yards | Cubic meters | 0.764555 |
| Inches | Feet | ÷ 12 |
| Linear feet | Meters | 0.3048 |
How much extra material to buy
| Material | Waste allowance |
|---|---|
| Concrete | 5 – 10%, up to 15% for irregular pours |
| Flooring, straight lay | 7 – 10% |
| Tile or plank, diagonal | 15% |
| Paint | Round up to the next full gallon |
| Fence boards | 5 – 10% for culls and cuts |
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Linear foot | A length of one foot, used to price fences, gutters and trim. |
| Cubic yard | 27 cubic feet; the unit ready-mix concrete is sold in. |
| Finished square footage | Heated, livable area with finished walls, floors and ceilings. |
| Contingency | Money set aside for unknowns, usually 10 to 15%. |
| Replacement cost | What it would cost to rebuild at today’s prices, not the market value. |
Guides that explain the maths
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate square footage?
Multiply length by width in feet. For odd shapes, split the room into rectangles, triangles and circles, calculate each and add them.
How many bags of concrete are in a yard?
About 45 bags of 80 lb, 60 bags of 60 lb or 90 bags of 40 lb.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
Most kitchen remodels cost $75 to $250 per square foot in 2026, and high-end projects $300 to $450.
How much does a fence cost per foot?
Installed fences typically cost $10 to $72 per linear foot depending on material and grade.
How accurate are the cost calculators?
They give planning ranges based on published national pricing. Local labor and material costs vary, so confirm with itemized quotes.
Do the calculators work in metric?
Area results can be converted with the square feet to square meters converter, and several tools show both units.
Cost tools give national planning estimates. Structural work should follow local building codes, and final prices should come from itemized contractor quotes.
More calculator categories
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