Caulk and Sealant Calculator
Cartridges needed for a joint, scaled from bead width and depth using the labelled yield assumption below.
Results
Worked example
A 20 m joint with a 5 mm by 5 mm bead. Yield = 7.5 × (36 ÷ 25) = 10.8 m per cartridge. Cartridges = 20 ÷ 10.8 = 1.85, rounded up to 2 cartridges. The bead itself holds 20 × 5 × 5 = 500 ml of sealant.
How it works
Labelled assumption: a 300 ml cartridge covers about 7.5 m of a 6 mm × 6 mm bead. Yield scales with bead cross-section: metres per cartridge = 7.5 × (36 ÷ (width × depth)), adjusted if you enter a different cartridge size. As a cross-check, bead volume in ml equals joint length in metres × width in mm × depth in mm.
FAQ
Why do I always run out sooner than the tube suggests?
Tooling the bead smooth, nozzle cuts, and partial tubes all consume product. The 7.5 m reference yield already builds in typical losses compared with the theoretical volume, but rough or uneven joints use more.
The joint is much deeper than it is wide. What should I enter?
Install backer rod first so the sealant depth is about half the width, then enter the reduced depth. Deep, fully filled joints waste sealant and can fail early because the bead cannot flex properly.
Estimates only. Mississippi Maple provides approximate material estimates for planning. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing and follow the sealant manufacturer's instructions.