Wire mesh calculator
Divide the slab area by the area each sheet covers after laps, then round up and add a few percent for cuts. An 8 × 20 ft sheet of 6×6 mesh covers about 142 ft² (13.2 m²) once you lap 8 in (200 mm) on one long and one short side. A 20 × 24 ft garage needs about four sheets; plan five to allow for cuts.
Sizes, weights and steel areas are nominal. Follow your drawings and your engineer for design values.
Rebar to wire mesh equivalent steel calculator
If your drawings or bid documents specify tied rebar (such as 10M, 15M, #3 or #4 bars), use the rebar converter above to calculate the equivalent steel area (As) and determine the matching welded wire mesh sheet size.
How the calculator works
- Slab length and width in feet or metres.
- Lap defaults to 8 in (203 mm), one 6 in square plus 2 in.
- Edge clearance keeps mesh back from the slab edge, default 3 in (75 mm).
- It lays sheets in rows across the slab, trying both sheet directions, and reports the layout that needs fewer sheets. It adds the spare sheets you choose.
- It reports sheets, total sheet area and approximate weight for 6 gauge or 4 gauge.
Worked example
Garage slab, 20 × 24 ft (6.1 × 7.3 m), mesh 3 in back from each edge:
- Mesh area to cover: 19.5 × 23.5 ft.
- Run the 20 ft sheet length across the 19.5 ft width: one sheet covers it, with 6 in to spare.
- Along the 23.5 ft length, each sheet adds 8 ft less an 8 in lap: four sheets in a row.
- Result: four sheets of 6 gauge, about 265 lb (120 kg). Order a fifth if you want a spare for mistakes.
Lap rules and layout tips are in how to lap and tie wire mesh sheets. When you have your count, get a quote.