Siding Calculator: Estimate Material & Cost
Use this free siding calculator to estimate how much siding material you’ll need and what it will cost. Enter your wall dimensions, subtract door and window areas, and choose your siding material to get an instant estimate in squares and total cost.
How to Use This Calculator
Measure the total length of all exterior walls you plan to side, then measure the average wall height. Enter both values in feet. If your home has doors, windows, or other openings that won't be covered, enter their combined area to subtract them from the total. Choose a waste factor based on how complex your home's shape is, then select a siding material or enter your own price per square. Click Calculate to see your results.
How Siding Cost Is Calculated
Siding is sold by the "square" - a roofing and siding industry unit equal to 100 square feet of coverage. The calculator first finds your net wall area by multiplying total wall length by average height, then subtracting the area of doors and windows. It then adds a waste factor (typically 10-15%) to account for cuts, overlaps, and material that's lost during installation. The result is divided by 100 to get the number of squares needed, which is then multiplied by your price per square to estimate total material cost.
For example, a home with 120 feet of wall length and 9-foot walls has a gross area of 1,080 sq ft. After subtracting 100 sq ft for doors and windows, the net area is 980 sq ft. With a 10% waste factor, that becomes 1,078 sq ft, or about 10.8 squares.
What Is the Average Cost of Siding?
Siding costs vary significantly by material. Vinyl siding, the most common choice for US homes, typically runs $300-400 per square installed, making it the most budget-friendly option. Fiber cement is more durable and fire-resistant, usually costing $500-600 per square. Wood siding offers a natural look but requires more maintenance, generally priced between $800-1,000 per square. Engineered wood and brick veneer sit at the higher end, often exceeding $1,000-1,400 per square. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home (roughly 20 squares of siding), total material costs can range from $6,000 for vinyl to over $28,000 for brick veneer, before labor.
