About this calculator
Count the sheets of reinforcing mesh such as SL72, SL82 or SL92 for a slab, allowing for overlap on every joint.
How it’s calculated
Sheets across = ceil((width − lap) ÷ (sheet width − lap)), and the same along the length. Multiply the two.
Worked example
With these inputs:
- Slab length
- 7 m
- Slab width
- 5 m
- Sheet size
- 6.0 × 2.4 m sheet (SL72, SL82, SL92)
- Overlap
- 200 mm
the result is:
- Sheets needed
- 6 sheets
- Slab area
- 35 m²
- Mesh area bought
- 86.4 m²
Tips from the trade
- Lay sheets so laps are staggered and don’t all meet at one point.
- Lift the mesh on chairs so it sits in the slab, not under it.
Common questions
How much should mesh sheets overlap?
Follow the engineer’s drawings. A common rule for SL mesh is to overlap so the outer cross-wires of both sheets overlap, which works out to about 200–225 mm.
Results are estimates for planning and pricing. Check quantities against your drawings, the manufacturer’s data and the NCC and Australian Standards before ordering.