Enter your Slab Length and Width (or Total Area), then set your Mesh Roll Width, Roll Length, Lapping Overlap, and Waste Factor — the Reinforcing Mesh Calculator works out how many Rolls you Need, how many to Purchase, Coverage per Roll, and your Total Mesh Area Required.
Mesh Rolls Needed
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Rolls to Purchase
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Slab Area
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Coverage per Roll
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Estimated Total Cost
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Calculate your slab area (length × width), then divide by the coverage area of each mesh roll or sheet. Add extra material for lapping overlaps (typically 6 inches) and waste (usually 10-15%).
Lapping is the overlap between adjacent mesh sheets, typically 6 inches minimum. This ensures continuous reinforcement across joints and maintains structural integrity of the concrete slab.
A 10-15% waste factor is recommended for wire mesh projects. This accounts for cutting waste, odd-shaped areas, and potential damage during installation.
This calculator is specifically designed for welded wire mesh sheets and rolls. For rebar calculations, you would need a different approach based on spacing and grid patterns.
Common wire mesh rolls are typically 5 feet wide by 50-150 feet long, providing 250-750 square feet of coverage per roll. Sheet sizes are often 5×10 feet or 6×12 feet.
Yes, always round up to the next whole number of rolls since you cannot purchase partial rolls. It's better to have slightly more material than to run short during installation.
Wire mesh is typically used for thinner slabs (4-6 inches), driveways, patios, and sidewalks. Rebar is preferred for thicker structural concrete pours and areas requiring greater tensile strength.