Calculator Use
This countertop calculator cost tool is designed to help homeowners, contractors, and designers estimate the financial requirements for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. By inputting the dimensions of your surfaces and the material pricing, you can generate an accurate budget including a standard waste factor and additional labor fees.
Whether you are installing granite, quartz, laminate, or marble, knowing your total square footage is the first step in avoiding overspending. Use this tool to compare different materials and see how varying price points affect your bottom line.
- Length & Width
- The dimensions of your countertop sections in inches. The calculator automatically converts these to square feet.
- Price per Square Foot
- The base cost of the material provided by your supplier (e.g., $50 for basic granite, $100 for premium quartz).
- Extra Costs
- Includes sink cutouts, edge profiling, backsplash material, and professional installation labor.
How It Works
Countertop pricing is typically quoted by the square foot. To find the countertop calculator cost, we first determine the total surface area. Since countertops are rarely sold in exact sizes, we include a "Waste Factor" (usually 10%) to account for the parts of the slab that are cut away.
Total Cost = [(Length × Width ÷ 144) × 1.10 × Price] + Installation Fees
- Area Calculation: Length (in) × Width (in) gives square inches, which is divided by 144 to get square feet.
- Waste Factor: A 10% buffer ensures you have enough material for corners and pattern matching.
- Labor: Professional installers often charge a flat fee or a per-cutout fee for sinks and cooktops.
Calculation Example
Example: A homeowner wants to install a new granite island measuring 120 inches by 36 inches. The granite costs $75 per square foot, and the installer charges $300 for the sink cutout and fitting.
Step-by-step solution:
- Square Inches = 120″ × 36″ = 4,320 sq in.
- Square Footage = 4,320 ÷ 144 = 30 sq ft.
- With 10% Waste = 30 × 1.10 = 33 sq ft.
- Material Cost = 33 sq ft × $75 = $2,475.
- Total Project Cost = $2,475 + $300 = $2,775.
Common Questions
What is the average countertop calculator cost for quartz?
Most homeowners spend between $2,500 and $5,500 for quartz countertops. This includes the material ($60-$120 per sq ft) and professional installation. Quartz is popular because it is non-porous and doesn't require sealing.
Should I calculate for backsplash separately?
Yes. If you want a matching stone backsplash (often 4 inches high), you should add that area to your total square footage. If you are using tile, that is usually budgeted as a separate line item with different labor costs.
How much extra is a sink cutout?
Most fabricators charge between $150 and $300 per sink cutout. Under-mount sinks are generally more expensive to cut and polish than drop-in sinks because the edge of the stone is visible.
Material Pricing Comparison
When using the countertop calculator cost tool, the material price is the biggest variable. Here are common ranges:
- Laminate: $20 – $50 per sq ft.
- Granite: $40 – $100 per sq ft.
- Quartz: $60 – $150 per sq ft.
- Marble: $75 – $250 per sq ft.
- Butcher Block: $30 – $80 per sq ft.