Roof & Attic Insulation Calculator — m, R-value, cost

Dimensions in m, cm · R-value target · Bags, rolls & cost estimate
EN 13162 / EN 13172
Switch to Imperial version →

How to use this calculator

Enter your attic floor area (length x width or custom area in m²), select insulation type and target R-value. If you have existing insulation, enter its depth and type. Results update instantly with bags/rolls, depth to add, vapor barrier, and ventilation baffles.

Insulation types — blown fiberglass (R-0.044 W/mK), blown cellulose (R-0.038 W/mK), batt fiberglass (R-0.040 W/mK), batt mineral wool (R-0.037 W/mK).
R-value — thermal resistance in m²·K/W. Higher is better.

R-6.6 (Zone 4 equiv) R-8.6 (Zone 5-6 equiv) R-10.6 (Zone 7-8 equiv) λ=0.038 cellulose
Attic Floor Area
Insulation Details
Typical: R-5 mild · R-6.6 moderate · R-8.6 cold · R-10.6 very cold
Enter current insulation depth or select None
cm
5% simple · 10% typical · 15% complex layout
%
Diagram
Cross Section
Optional sections:
Insulation Price
per bag, blown fiberglass
Vapor Barrier
PE foil 0.2 mm, 25 m² per roll
Ventilation Baffles
bays
Results
Insulation
Depth to Add
cm
Total R-Value
m²·K/W
Attic Area
Bags Needed (+waste)
bags
Coverage per Bag
m²/bag
Existing R-Value
m²·K/W

Saved Calculations

TimeTypeArea m²DepthR-ValueQtyCost
No saved calculations

How to Calculate Attic Insulation (Metric)

This calculator estimates insulation depth in centimeters, number of bags or rolls, and cost to reach your target thermal resistance (R-value in m²·K/W). Enter attic dimensions in meters or centimeters, select insulation type by thermal conductivity (λ), and set your target R-value.

Formulas

R = thickness (m) / λ (W/mK). Depth needed = (Target R − Existing R) × λ. Bags = Area / Coverage per bag at target depth. Coverage decreases with depth for blown products. Batt rolls are area / roll coverage.

Thermal Conductivity (λ) Values

Blown fiberglass: λ=0.044 W/mK. Blown cellulose: λ=0.038 W/mK. Batt fiberglass: λ=0.040 W/mK. Batt mineral wool: λ=0.037 W/mK. Lower λ = better insulator = less depth required.

FAQ

Can I mix insulation types? Yes, R-values are additive. Blown insulation works well over existing batts. Vapor barrier? In cold climates, install on the warm side of the insulation per EN 13788. In mild climates, consult local building codes.

Misha Noyr, M.Eng.

Misha Noyr, M.Eng.

Civil Engineer · 15+ yrs · structural design, geotechnics. Full bio →