How to Use This Siding Installation Cost Calculator
Enter your total wall perimeter and wall height, then add any gables and the number of windows and doors so the tool can subtract openings. Pick a siding material, a quality tier, the number of stories and your local price level, and choose which extras to include. The calculator returns a total, a cost per square foot, the number of squares to order, a line-item breakdown, and a comparison of every siding type.
Why This Matters
Re-siding is one of the biggest exterior projects a homeowner takes on, and quotes can vary by $10,000 or more for the same house. A typical 1,400 sq ft wall area costs about $7,700 with budget vinyl but over $16,000 with premium fiber cement or cedar. Without your own estimate, it is hard to tell whether a contractor's number is reasonable or padded.
Siding is also bought by the square (100 sq ft), so ordering too little means a second delivery with possible dye-lot mismatches, while ordering too much ties up cash. If you are selling, an insurance claim after hail or wind damage may only cover part of the wall, so knowing the real quantity matters. Budgeting early also lets you decide whether to bundle siding with new windows, insulation or a roof replacement while scaffolding is already up. Use the result as a planning figure, then collect at least three written, line-item bids.
How It's Calculated
The calculator works out the net wall area first, then prices each part of the job per square foot or per linear foot.
Gable area = gables × (base × rise ÷ 2)
Openings = windows×15 + doors×21 + garage doors×63
Net area = gross wall + gable area − openings
Order area = net × (1 + waste %), rounded UP to whole squares
Materials = order area × material rate
Labor = net area × labor rate × region × story factor
Trim (lin ft) = 4×height + windows×16 + doors×17 + garage×23
Total = materials + labor + removal + wrap + trim + permit
Rates come from typical U.S. installed price ranges: vinyl about $3.50–$8 per sq ft installed, fiber cement $6–$12, wood $8–$17, engineered wood $5–$10, steel $6–$14 and aluminum $6–$11.50. Budget, Standard and Premium use the low, middle and high end. Removal runs $0.75–$1.50, house wrap $0.35–$0.75 and trim $3–$6 per linear foot. The region setting scales everything except siding material. Quantities round up to whole squares so you never under-order.
The wall covering and water-resistive barrier follow the general approach of the International Residential Code (IRC Chapter 7, R703), under which siding is installed per the manufacturer's instructions over a weather-resistant barrier. Adopted editions and local amendments vary, so confirm with your building department. This tool is a cost estimator, not an engineering, permit or inspection approval.
Worked Example
Take the default inputs: a 160 ft perimeter, 9 ft walls, two gables (28 ft wide, 7 ft rise), 10 windows, 2 doors and 1 garage door, with Standard vinyl, one story, average pricing and 10% waste.
- Gross wall: 160 × 9 = 1,440 sq ft. Gables: 2 × (28 × 7 ÷ 2) = 196 sq ft.
- Openings: 10×15 + 2×21 + 63 = 255 sq ft. Net area: 1,440 + 196 − 255 = 1,381 sq ft.
- Order area: 1,381 × 1.10 = 1,519.1 sq ft, rounded up to 16 squares (1,600 sq ft).
- Materials: 1,600 × $2.50 = $4,000. Labor: 1,381 × $3.00 = $4,143.
- Removal: 1,381 × $1.00 = $1,381. House wrap: 1,381 × $0.50 = $691.
- Trim: 36 + 160 + 34 + 23 = 253 linear ft × $4.00 = $1,012. Permit: $250.
- Total: $11,477, or about $8.31 per sq ft of wall. Budget and Premium tiers give roughly $7,690 and $16,800.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Measure every wall, including the gables. Skipping gable triangles is the most common reason owners under-order by 5–10%.
- Don't assume the old siding hides sound sheathing. Rot, mold or failed flashing behind it can add several hundred to thousands of dollars, so budget a repair allowance.
- Test before removing homes built before 1978. Old paint may contain lead, and some older cement-based siding contains asbestos. Use certified professionals if testing is positive.
- Compare installed price, not material price. Fiber cement and wood need specialized cutting and usually paint, which this estimate excludes.
- Ask for a line-item bid covering wrap, flashing, trim, disposal and warranty, and confirm the install follows the manufacturer's fastening and clearance rules, which many warranties require.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does siding installation cost per square foot?
Most projects land between about $4 and $12 per square foot of wall installed, depending on material. Vinyl sits at the low end, fiber cement and engineered wood in the middle, and cedar or premium metal at the top. Labor is usually 40–60% of the total.
How much does it cost to side a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 2,000 sq ft floor plan typically has roughly 1,500–2,500 sq ft of wall to cover once gables and openings are counted. At $4–$12 per sq ft installed, that is about $6,000 to $30,000. Enter your actual perimeter and height above for a tighter figure.
Is vinyl or fiber cement siding cheaper?
Vinyl is normally cheaper, often $2–$4 less per square foot installed. Fiber cement costs more but resists fire, rot and insects and holds paint longer. Run both in the comparison table to see the difference for your house.
How much extra siding should I order for waste?
Plan on 10% for a simple rectangular house and 15% or more for many gables, bump-outs or diagonal patterns. This calculator also rounds up to the next full square so you do not come up short. Keep a few leftover pieces for future repairs.
Does the estimate include removing old siding?
Yes, if the removal box is checked, at $0.75–$1.50 per square foot depending on tier. Uncheck it for new construction or when installing over existing siding where your local code and manufacturer allow it. Hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint need special handling and cost more.
What is not included in this siding cost estimate?
Painting or staining, gutters, soffit and fascia, window replacement, sheathing repair, insulation upgrades and scaffolding beyond the story factor are not included. Prices are national averages and vary by season, supplier and contractor. Treat the result as a planning range, not a quote.