Building materials calculator
Quantities in Australian product sizes, with a waste allowance and every step of the working.
A free tool from Footing Tools. No account needed. It works out materials for one job — Footing, the software, runs the whole job.
In ChatGPT
Describe the job in your own words. Find Footing Tools in ChatGPT.
Coming soon to ChatGPTIn Claude
Same tools, same documents. Find Footing Tools in Claude.
Coming soon to ClaudeWork out quantities
Starter prompts
Paste one into ChatGPT or Claude once Footing Tools is added.
“How much concrete for a 6x4 slab, 100mm thick?”
“How many sheets of plasterboard for a 4x5 room with a 2.4m ceiling?”
“How many 400x400 pavers and how much sand for a 20m² courtyard?”
What it won't do
- Structural design or engineering. Footings and slabs need your engineer's specs.
- Electrical calculations, such as voltage drop.
- Price the materials. Check quantities and prices with your supplier.
Templates and calculations only — not legal, financial, safety or professional advice. Check everything against your contract and the law, or get advice, before you rely on it. Footing isn't responsible for how it's used.
Straight answers
Does it include waste?
Yes. Each material has a usual allowance, and you can set your own percentage.
Can I trust the numbers?
The maths is worked out, not guessed, and every step is shown. Check sizes and coverage against the product you're buying.
Can I turn this into a quote?
In ChatGPT or Claude, ask it to turn the quantities into a quote. Here, use the quote template.
Running more than a few jobs?
This works out materials for one job. Footing measures off your plans and turns the quantities into a quote, or a request for quotes your suppliers can price from their phone.