Shuttering Area Calculator
Calculate formwork area for columns, beams, slabs, footings. Estimate plywood sheets with reuse factor.
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What is a Shuttering Area Calculator?
A Shuttering Area Calculator (also called Formwork or Centering Calculator) helps estimate the contact surface area of temporary molds used to hold wet concrete. Contractors are typically paid based on this shuttering area in square feet or square meters, not the volume of concrete.
Our advanced calculator supports 5 structure types (Column, Beam, Slab, Footing, Lintel), allows multiple members in one calculation, and factors in plywood reuse to accurately estimate material requirements. It also calculates shuttering oil needs and provides cost estimation including labor.
Whether you're a contractor preparing a quote, a homeowner verifying bills, or a site engineer planning materials, this calculator gives you accurate estimates with detailed area breakdown by member type.
5 Structure Types
Column (4 sides), Beam (3 sides), Slab (soffit + edges), Footing, and Lintel. Each uses the correct formula automatically.
Multiple Members
Add unlimited structural members in one calculation. See individual area breakdown and combined total for entire project.
Reuse Factor
Factor in plywood reuse (3-5 times) to calculate actual sheets needed. Reduces material cost estimation significantly.
Cost Estimation
Enter plywood price, oil cost, and labor rate. Get complete cost breakdown for material and labor.
How to Use the Shuttering Calculator
Select Structure Type
Choose Column (4 sides), Beam (3 sides), Slab (soffit + edges), Footing, or Lintel. Formula applies automatically.
Enter Dimensions
Input Length, Width, Depth/Height and Quantity. For columns: L×W is cross-section, D is height. For beams: L is span, W is bottom width, D is depth.
Add More Members
Click "Add Member" to add beams, slabs, etc. Each member's area is calculated separately and totaled.
Set Reuse & Cost
Choose plywood reuse factor (3× standard). Add prices for cost estimation. Download the complete calculation.
Shuttering Area Formulas
| Structure | Covered Surfaces | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Column | All 4 vertical sides | 2×(L+W)×H |
| Beam | Bottom + 2 sides | (W + 2×D)×L |
| Slab | Soffit (bottom) + side edges | L×W + 2×(L+W)×T |
| Footing | All 4 sides (no top/bottom) | 2×(L+W)×D |
| Lintel | Like beam (3 sides) | (W + 2×D)×L |
Legend: L = Length, W = Width, H = Height, D = Depth, T = Thickness
Plywood Sheet Estimation
Standard shuttering plywood is 8 ft × 4 ft = 32 sq.ft (or 2.97 sq.m). Film-faced plywood with smooth surface is preferred for better concrete finish.
For 960 sq.ft with 3× reuse: 960 ÷ 32 ÷ 3 = 10 sheets
Reuse capability: Standard ply: 2-3×, Film-faced: 5-10× with proper oiling.
Shuttering Oil
Shuttering oil (mould release agent) is applied to plywood before each pour to prevent concrete from sticking and allow easy stripping.
Total Oil = Area ÷ 400 × Number of Uses
Apply thin, even coat. Wipe excess to avoid staining concrete. Use diesel-based or commercial oil.
Pro Tips for Shuttering Work
Calculate contact area only - Don't count overlaps, joints, or wastage in billable area.
Beam top is open - Beams only need 3 sides (bottom + 2) as top connects to slab.
Don't forget slab edges - Small but adds up. Calculate 2×(L+W)×Thickness.
Apply oil before each use - Increases reuse count significantly from 3× to 5×.
Store plywood flat - Prevents warping. Keep dry and covered on site.
Verify contractor bills - Use this calculator to independently check claimed areas.
Common Use Cases
Home Construction
Calculate shuttering for entire floor: columns, beams, and roof slab. Verify contractor's quoted area.
Commercial Projects
Estimate materials for large projects with multiple floor types. Track reuse across phases.
Cost Estimation
Create accurate bids by calculating material and labor costs based on shuttering area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shuttering/formwork in construction?
Shuttering (also called formwork or centering) is the temporary mold used to hold wet concrete in shape until it hardens. It's typically made of plywood, steel, or aluminum. Contractors are often paid based on the 'contact area' (sq.ft or sq.m) of this formwork, not the volume of concrete.
How to calculate shuttering area for columns?
For rectangular columns, shuttering is needed on all 4 vertical sides. Formula: Shuttering Area = Perimeter × Height = 2×(Length + Width) × Height. For a 1×1 ft column with 10 ft height: 2×(1+1)×10 = 40 sq.ft. For circular columns: πD×H where D is diameter and H is height.
How to calculate shuttering area for beams?
Beam shuttering covers the bottom and two sides (top is open for slab). Formula: Shuttering Area = (Bottom Width + 2×Depth) × Length. For a beam 10 ft long, 1 ft wide, 1.5 ft deep: (1 + 2×1.5) × 10 = 40 sq.ft. This is called 'three-sided' shuttering.
How to calculate shuttering area for slabs?
Slab shuttering includes the bottom (soffit) plus the edge strips. Formula: Shuttering Area = (L×W) + 2×(L+W)×Thickness. For a 12×10 ft slab, 0.5 ft thick: (12×10) + 2×(12+10)×0.5 = 120 + 22 = 142 sq.ft. The edge area is often small but should not be ignored.
What is the standard size of plywood for shuttering?
Standard shuttering plywood is 8 feet × 4 feet (32 sq.ft or 2.97 sq.m). Common thicknesses are 12mm or 18mm. Film-faced (laminated) plywood is preferred as the smooth surface gives better concrete finish and allows more reuses. One sheet can typically be reused 3-5 times with proper care.
How many times can shuttering plywood be reused?
Standard plywood: 2-3 times. Film-faced plywood: 5-10 times. Proper care increases reuse: apply shuttering oil before each use, store flat and dry, avoid damage during stripping. The reuse factor significantly affects project cost - our calculator factors this into material estimation.
What is shuttering oil and how much is needed?
Shuttering oil (also called mould release agent) is applied to formwork surfaces to prevent concrete from sticking. This allows easy stripping and increases plywood reuse. Approximately 1 liter covers 400 sq.ft (37 sq.m) per application. Apply thin, even coat before each pour.
What is the rate for shuttering work in India?
Shuttering labor rates vary by region: ₹35-50 per sq.ft for material + labor (inclusive). ₹15-25 per sq.ft for labor only. Steel shuttering rental: ₹8-12 per sq.ft per month. Rates are higher for complex shapes, heights above 10 ft, and in metro cities.
When can shuttering be removed (stripping time)?
Stripping time depends on member type and temperature: Columns & Walls: 24-48 hours. Beam sides: 24-48 hours. Beam bottom: 14-21 days. Slab (up to 4.5m span): 7 days (with props). Slab (over 4.5m): 14 days. Never remove props until concrete reaches required strength.
How to verify contractor's shuttering bill?
Use this calculator to independently verify the shuttering area claimed by contractor. Key checks: 1) Only contact surfaces count, not overlaps. 2) Column: 4 sides only. 3) Beam: 3 sides only (bottom + 2 sides). 4) Slab: soffit + edge strips. 5) Deduct openings. Compare calculated area with bill.