Use this free siding calculator to estimate how much exterior siding your home needs — vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood, cedar, stucco, or metal — plus full cost including material and labor. Enter your perimeter, wall height, number of windows and doors — get an instant project estimate.
Siding Calculator
How to use this siding calculator
- Measure your perimeter. Add up the length of every exterior wall. A rectangular 40×30 house has a perimeter of 140 feet. For homes with bump-outs or dormers, add those extra walls too.
- Enter average wall height. 9 feet is typical for a 1-story home. 18 feet for a 2-story. If you have gables, add roughly 30% to your height (gable triangles add extra area).
- Count windows and doors. Average window is ~15 sq ft; average door is ~21 sq ft. Large picture windows or sliding glass doors: count each as 2-3 windows.
- Pick your material. Vinyl is the most affordable; fiber cement and metal are premium. The calculator uses typical installed prices per sq ft; override with your own quote if you have one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does siding cost per square foot installed?
Vinyl: $4–$8/sq ft installed. Fiber cement: $8–$14. Engineered wood: $6–$12. Cedar shingles: $10–$16. Stucco: $9–$15. Metal/steel: $12–$25. Regional labor costs and job complexity (2-story, dormers, custom trim) can push these higher.
What is a "square" of siding?
A square equals 100 square feet. It’s how siding is sold wholesale. A 2,000 sq ft home with 1,500 sq ft of siding after subtracting windows and doors needs 15 squares of material plus waste.
How much waste should I plan for?
10% is standard for vinyl and metal siding on a rectangular home. 15% for fiber cement. 15–20% for homes with many corners, gables, dormers, or difficult trim. Always round up to full boxes or squares when ordering.
Do I need to remove old siding first?
Not always. Vinyl can often be installed over existing wood siding if the substrate is sound. Fiber cement and most other materials require old siding removal plus a fresh moisture barrier. Factor in $1–$3 per sq ft for old siding removal if needed.
What is the most durable siding material?
Fiber cement (James Hardie, Nichiha) lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance. Metal siding: 40–70 years. Vinyl: 20–40 years. Cedar: 20–40 years with regular maintenance. Stucco: 50+ years in dry climates.