How to use this calculator
- Enter Length in ft.
- Enter Width in ft.
- Enter Build type.
- Press Calculate. The highlighted row is your order quantity; the note beneath it translates the number into real-world terms.
Formula & constants
2026 ranges: DIY kit $15–$25/sq ft, prefab delivered $25–$40, custom stick-built $40–$75+. A 10×12 shed spans roughly $2,000 kit to $7,000 custom, plus the pad. Every default in the fields above is editable — when your supplier’s spec sheet lists a different density, coverage rate or price, enter that number instead. The waste and compaction allowances follow common trade practice; see our methodology page for the derivation of each formula and the standards it references.
Where this fits in the project
Fence runs are linear takeoffs: posts on 8 ft centers, two or three rails per section, then infill. Every post needs a hole below frost line — check the post depth calculator — and about two bags from the concrete bag calculator to set it.
How this connects to your project
No quantity stands alone — each material in the chain depends on the ones around it. These are the planning steps that pair with the shed cost calculator:
- Lumber Calculator — Sheds are framed with dimensional lumber.
- Plywood Calculator — Shed walls and roof use plywood sheathing.
- Roofing Calculator — Sheds need roofing material estimation.
- Concrete Slab Calculator — Sheds may sit on a concrete slab foundation.
- Garage Cost Calculator — Shed costs vs garage costs comparison.
- Pole Barn Calculator — Shed is a simpler version of pole barn construction.
- Paint Calculator — Wood sheds are typically painted or stained.
- Door Cost Calculator — Sheds include at least one door.
Frequently asked questions
Does a shed need a permit?
Commonly exempt under 120–200 sq ft depending on jurisdiction — but setbacks still apply. Check before siting.
What base does a shed need?
4 in of compacted gravel over fabric minimum; concrete pad for workshops and heavy loads.
Last verified: — prices reflect current national averages. See our methodology.
Estimates are for planning. Material densities, coverage rates and prices vary by region and supplier — confirm final quantities before ordering, and check local code where structural or electrical work is involved.