Wire Mesh Calculator
Enter your slab and the Reinforcement panel shows how many 5 ft × 10 ft sheets of wire mesh to buy, with 10% added for overlap.
Last updated November 13, 2026
How to calculate wire mesh for a slab
- Work out the slab area in square feet.
- Add 10% for overlap between sheets.
- Divide by 50, the area of one 5 ft × 10 ft sheet, and round up.
Example: a 12 ft × 16 ft patio is 192 sq ft. 192 × 1.1 ÷ 50 = 4.2, so buy 5 sheets.
Sheets of mesh by slab size
| Slab size (ft) | Area | Sheets (5 × 10 ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 | 100 sq ft | 3 |
| 12 × 12 | 144 sq ft | 4 |
| 12 × 16 | 192 sq ft | 5 |
| 16 × 16 | 256 sq ft | 6 |
| 20 × 20 | 400 sq ft | 9 |
| 24 × 24 | 576 sq ft | 13 |
| 30 × 30 | 900 sq ft | 20 |
Placing mesh
- Mesh works when it sits within the slab, not on the ground. Support it on chairs or blocks.
- Overlap sheets where they meet and tie them together.
- Mesh is also sold in rolls. Divide your area plus overlap by the area of the roll you are buying.
For a rebar grid instead, use the rebar calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many sheets of wire mesh do I need?
Divide the slab area by 50, the area of a 5 ft × 10 ft sheet, add about 10% for overlap and round up. A 20 × 20 ft slab needs 9 sheets.
How much should wire mesh overlap?
Sheets are overlapped where they meet so the reinforcement is continuous. The amount depends on the mesh and your code. The calculator adds 10% as an allowance.
Is wire mesh as good as rebar?
They do different jobs at different strengths. Mesh is common in patios and walks to help control cracking. Rebar is common where the slab carries more load. Your local code decides what is required.