Residential Material Takeoff Estimator
Build a rough residential material list for NM-B cable or raceway with individual conductors.
Material allowances
Enter summed one-way route footage. In raceway mode, group runs with the same conductor count; device and box quantities are not inferred from each other.
Estimated material list
The waste allowance applies to route materials and conductors. It does not change device or box quantities.
About this estimator
Enter device and box quantities, choose NM-B cable or individual conductors in a raceway, and provide the route footage from your takeoff. The estimator applies a user-selected waste allowance to the route material and summarizes the quantities.
It does not infer quantities from room size or decide how many boxes, circuits, or conductors the installation requires.
Method and assumptions
Route material with allowance = entered one-way route footage × (1 + waste percentage ÷ 100). Receptacle and lighting route groups are calculated separately.
In raceway mode, conductor footage = route footage × entered conductors per route × (1 + waste percentage ÷ 100). This assumes each counted conductor follows the full route. Group runs that have the same conductor count; calculate and add separate estimates for groups with different counts.
Device and box counts pass through from your entries. The waste allowance applies to route materials and conductors, not device or box quantities.
Use the material list
Compare the output with the plans and field measurements before ordering. This worksheet does not select conductor sizes, size raceways, check raceway fill, calculate labor, or include materials such as fittings, supports, connectors, fasteners, trim, or special equipment.
FAQs
Does the estimator infer box quantities from device counts?
No. Enter device-box and fixture or junction-box quantities separately. This avoids assuming how multi-gang devices, existing boxes, or fixture supports are handled.
How should I enter route footage?
Enter summed one-way lengths for the receptacle and lighting groups. In raceway mode, group routes that use the same conductor count; estimate each different count group separately and add the results.
How does raceway mode estimate conductor footage?
It multiplies each route length by the conductor count you enter and assumes every counted conductor follows the full route. It does not determine which conductors a circuit needs.
Does the selected wiring method mean it is approved for my installation?
No. The selector only changes how the material estimate is grouped; it does not recommend or approve a wiring method. Select cable or conductor type and size, circuit protection, and installation details from the project requirements and equipment instructions.
What does the waste allowance affect?
The percentage increases the estimated length of cable, raceway, and individual conductors for the selected method. It does not change device or box counts.