Insulation Calculator
Calculate insulation needs for attics, walls, crawlspaces, and floors. Compare 8 insulation types by R-value, cost, and coverage. Includes climate zone recommendations, DIY vs professional costs, and energy savings payback estimates.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Blown-In Cellulose (88 bags) | $1,596 |
| Professional Labor | $960 |
| DIY Total | $1,596 |
| Professional Total | $2,556 |
| Type | R/Inch | $/sqft/R | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Batts | 3.2 | $0.05 | Most common, DIY-friendly |
| Blown-In Fiberglass | 2.5 | $0.04 | Great for attics, fills gaps |
| Blown-In CelluloseSelected | 3.5 | $0.035 | Eco-friendly, good coverage |
| Spray Foam (Open Cell) | 3.7 | $0.08 | Air sealing + insulation |
| Spray Foam (Closed Cell) | 6.5 | $0.12 | Highest R-value, moisture barrier |
| Rigid Foam Board (XPS) | 5.0 | $0.07 | Great for basements, foundations |
| Rigid Foam Board (Polyiso) | 6.0 | $0.09 | Best R-value per inch, foil-faced |
| Mineral Wool Batts | 3.3 | $0.07 | Fire resistant, soundproofing |
How to Use Insulation Calculator
- 1Select area type and dimensions
- 2Choose insulation type
- 3Set target R-value for your climate zone
- 4View materials needed and cost estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
How much insulation do I need?▾
It depends on your climate zone and area being insulated. Most attics need R-38 to R-60, walls need R-13 to R-21, and floors need R-25 to R-30. The DOE provides recommended R-values for 8 US climate zones.
Which insulation type is best?▾
Fiberglass batts are cheapest and DIY-friendly. Blown-in cellulose fills gaps well for attics. Spray foam provides the best air sealing. Choose based on your budget, application area, and whether you're DIY or hiring a professional.
How much does insulation cost?▾
Fiberglass batts: $0.50-1.00/sqft at R-13. Blown-in cellulose: $0.80-1.50/sqft at R-38. Spray foam: $1.50-4.00/sqft. Professional installation adds 50-100% to material costs. Attic insulation typically pays back in 3-7 years through energy savings.
About Insulation Calculator
Calculate insulation needs for attics, walls, crawlspaces, and floors. Compare 8 insulation types by R-value, cost, and coverage. Includes climate zone recommendations, DIY vs professional costs, and energy savings payback estimates.
NexTool's Insulation Calculator is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your data is processed directly in your browser and never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and instant results.
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