Home & DIY calculator

Insulation Rolls Calculator

Enter your loft or wall area and roll coverage to get the number of rolls to buy.

Your measurements

Metric + imperial

How this calculator works

Rolls = round up[(area x waste factor) / coverage per roll].

Worked example

A 6 m x 4 m loft (24 m2, 5% waste = 25.2 m2) with a roll rated at 5.5 m2 coverage needs 5 rolls.

Assumptions to check

  • Coverage per roll is taken from the pack (it already reflects the rated depth/R-value/U-value) rather than a plain area figure, since the same roll length covers less area at a greater installed depth.
  • Joists, hatches, pipework, and cross-layering (laying a second layer perpendicular to the first) are not modeled - add extra rolls for a second layer.
  • Loft insulation depth and material recommendations vary by region and building regulation; use the coverage stated for your chosen product and target depth.

Common questions

FAQ

Do I need two layers of loft insulation?

Many current UK guidance recommends a top-up to around 270 mm total depth, often as two layers (joist-depth plus a cross-layer). Calculate each layer separately if you are topping up.

Batts vs. rolls - same calculator?

Yes - both are area-and-coverage based; just use the pack coverage area printed on the batt or roll packaging.

Does this work for wall or loft insulation?

Yes for either, as long as you use the coverage-per-roll figure for the product and depth you are installing.