Shed Material Calculator
Enter your shed dimensions to get a full material list — framing lumber, siding, and roofing.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Shed framing follows standard 16" on-center wall framing and 24" OC rafters:
- Studs: wall perimeter in inches ÷ 16, plus extras for corners and the door/window openings.
- Plates: one bottom plate + double top plate = 3× the wall length in 8-ft boards.
- Floor: joists 16" OC spanning the width, decked with 4×8 plywood (32 sq ft per sheet).
- Siding: wall area plus gable triangles, ÷ 32 sq ft per sheet, +10% waste.
- Roof: a 6/12 pitch multiplies the footprint by ~1.12; add 1-ft overhangs all around before computing sheathing and shingles (~33 sq ft per bundle).
- Permits: many jurisdictions exempt sheds under 120–200 sq ft — verify yours before building bigger.
Frequently asked questions
How many studs for an 8x12 shed?
About 38 wall studs at 16" OC plus plates — this calculator gives the exact count for your dimensions.
What lumber do I need for a shed?
2x4s for walls (studs + plates), 2x6s for floor joists and rafters, 4x8 plywood/OSB for floor, walls, and roof sheathing.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
Often not under 120–200 sq ft (varies by jurisdiction). Bigger sheds, electrical, or plumbing trigger permits.
T1-11 vs vinyl vs SmartSide?
T1-11: cheapest, needs paint/sealing. Vinyl: low maintenance, needs sheathing behind it. SmartSide: engineered wood, durable, mid-price — the popular pick.
What is the cheapest shed foundation?
Concrete blocks or skid runners on compacted gravel — cheap and fine for small sheds. Concrete slab is best but 3–4x the cost.
What roof pitch for a shed?
4/12 to 6/12 is typical — enough to shed water and snow without wasting lumber. This calculator assumes 6/12.
How many shingles for a shed roof?
Roof square footage ÷ 33 per bundle. An 8x12 shed needs roughly 8–10 bundles.
16" or 24" stud spacing?
16" OC for walls (stronger, standard). 24" OC is fine for rafters on small sheds and saves lumber.
How much does it cost to build a shed?
DIY material cost runs roughly $15–30/sq ft depending on finishes — an 8x12 shed ≈ $1,500–3,000 in materials.
Should I build or buy a prefab shed?
DIY wins on cost and customization if you have the tools and a weekend. Prefabs win on speed — delivered and set in a day.