Siding Calculator
A 2,000 sq ft home exterior (after subtracting windows and doors) requires approximately 22 squares of vinyl siding. At $3-$8 per sq ft installed, total project cost ranges from $6,000-$16,000 depending on material type and labor.
Siding Calculator
Enter your project dimensions for instant results.
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How to Calculate Siding
Measure each wall of your home (height x width), subtract window and door openings, and add 10% for waste. Siding is quoted in squares (1 square = 100 sq ft).
| Siding Type | Cost per sq ft | Pieces per Square | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2-$7 | Varies by profile | 20-30 yrs |
| Fiber cement (HardiePlank) | $5-$13 | 24 planks (8.25 in) | 30-50 yrs |
| Wood lap | $5-$12 | Varies by width | 20-40 yrs |
| Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) | $4-$9 | 24 planks | 30-50 yrs |
| Metal/aluminum | $3-$8 | Varies by panel | 40+ yrs |
| Cedar shingle | $6-$14 | 4 bundles/square | 30-50 yrs |
| Trim Component | Calculation | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Inside corners | One per corner x wall height | $8-$15/piece |
| Outside corners | One per corner x wall height | $10-$20/piece |
| J-channel | Perimeter of all openings | $0.50-$1.50/ft |
| Starter strip | Bottom perimeter of house | $0.50-$1.00/ft |
| Soffit | Overhang width x perimeter | $3-$8/sq ft |
Tips
- Measure from the bottom of the wall to the soffit line for accurate height
- Standard window deduction: 15 sq ft each; standard door: 20 sq ft each
- Always account for gable ends on two-story homes (triangle area = 0.5 x base x height)
- Fiber cement requires 15% waste factor due to breakage during cutting
- Order house wrap (Tyvek) to cover the same area before siding goes up
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much siding I need?
Measure each exterior wall (height x width) and add the areas together. Subtract 15 sq ft per window and 20 sq ft per door. Add 10% waste for vinyl or 15% for fiber cement. Divide by 100 to get the number of squares.
How much does it cost to side a house?
Vinyl siding costs $6,000-$16,000 for an average 1,500-2,000 sq ft home. Fiber cement (HardiePlank) runs $12,000-$28,000. Wood siding costs $10,000-$25,000. These include materials, labor, and trim.
How many squares of siding do I need for a 1,500 sq ft house?
A 1,500 sq ft house (living area) typically has 1,800-2,200 sq ft of exterior wall surface. After subtracting 8-12 windows and 2-3 doors, you need about 18-22 squares of siding.
What is the cheapest siding option?
Vinyl siding is the most affordable at $2-$7 per sq ft installed. A basic vinyl siding job on a 1,500 sq ft home starts around $6,000. Aluminum siding is similarly priced but less popular.
How long does siding last?
Vinyl siding lasts 20-30 years, fiber cement 30-50 years, engineered wood 30-50 years, cedar 30-50 years with maintenance, and metal siding 40+ years. Premium fiber cement like HardiePlank offers the best durability-to-cost ratio.
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