This calculator requires the use of Javascript enabled and capable browsers. This calculator is designed to give an approximate quantity for all materials needed for a drop ceiling installation. While we assume regular dimensions, you can estimate irregular dimensions fairly well. Measure the length of the room (at the longest point if irregular) and the width of the room (at the widest point if irregular). Enter the values; if you are using 2 x 4 tiles, you may want to try the entries both ways to see if the fit is better one way or the other. Enter the distance from the ceiling you are covering to the support point of the drop ceiling (if irregular, use the average distance, though that compromises the individual tie wire length). Click on Calculate for the values returned. We have assumed in this calculation that the perimeter support moldings will support all outside edges of the outside ceiling tiles. We round up, not down. We assume 4 pieces of ceiling wire per 12 foot main support section (that can vary), and one anchor per support wire. The length of each support wire should be the distance from the drop ceiling support to the hidden ceiling anchor point plus 9 inches extra on each end to tie. These are estimates only, though from history, very close. Actual pieces, sizes and quantities may vary due to many circumstances, including variable ceilings, irregular shaped rooms or areas, hallways, columns, posts, AC and heating ducts, electrical lights and similar potential problems. We are generally slightly above what the worst possible case requirements are including sizes that do not exactly fit on a 2 x 2 or 2 x 4 grid and require cuts with centering. Regular areas are very close. Please use this as a good starting point. Also remember that an area uses EITHER 4 foot or 2 foot tiles and tees. We give you the calculations for BOTH. You do not need BOTH; only one or the other. Use caution with your ladder!
