Project notes
Understand this estimate
A rectangular sealant bead has volume equal to its total length multiplied by its measured width and depth. The cartridge count compares that volume with net cartridge contents.
How to use the calculator
Measure the combined joint run
Add runs that share the same average cross-section.
Inputs Total joint length
Measure the bead cross-section
Enter actual joint width and sealant depth. The tool does not recommend a joint design.
Inputs Joint width · Joint depth
Read net cartridge volume and allowance
Use net contents from the cartridge label. The optional allowance increases the purchase count.
Inputs Cartridge net volume · Extra allowance
Formula and variables
Joint volume = length × 12 × width × depth. Cartridge volume = net US fl oz × 231 ÷ 128. Theoretical feet per cartridge = cartridge volume ÷ (width × depth) ÷ 12. Cartridge count rounds up after the entered allowance.
- L × 12 × W × DJoint volume
- Length converted from feet and multiplied by cross-section.in³
- VCartridge contents
- Converted to cubic inches using 231 in³ per US gal and 128 fl oz per US gal.US fl oz
- V ÷ (W × D × 12)Theoretical bead yield
- Ideal rectangular yield before losses.ft/cartridge
What the result means
Result interpretation
Joint volume is geometric. Theoretical yield assumes no tooling, backer rod, irregularity or material loss. Cartridge count rounds up and may exceed manufacturer yield charts in real work.
Limits and assumptions
This is a rectangular bead estimate. Tooling, backer rod, irregular joints, substrate loss and manufacturer yield tables can reduce actual yield. Do not transfer Sika yield data to other products.
Worked example
Five cartridges for 100 feet of quarter-inch bead
Assumptions
- Joint cross-section is 0.25 × 0.25 in throughout.
- Each cartridge contains 10.1 US fl oz net.
Calculation
- 100 × 12 × 0.25 × 0.25 = 75 in³.
- One cartridge is 10.1 × 231 ÷ 128 = 18.227 in³.
- 75 ÷ 18.227 = 4.115, rounded up to 5 cartridges.
| Joint volume | 75 in³ |
|---|---|
| Theoretical yield per cartridge | 24.3 ft |
| Whole cartridges | 5 cartridges |
Common questions
- Does this account for a backer rod?
- No. Enter the sealant depth actually intended for the bead; this tool does not prescribe joint design.
- Why may actual yield be lower?
- Tooling, irregular joints, substrate loss and cartridge residue reduce usable volume.