Calculate a complete material list for building a shed. Get exact quantities for framing lumber, wall and roof sheathing, roofing, siding, and hardware. Enter your shed dimensions and get a ready-to-buy list. Free to use — no signup required.
View lumber dimensions chart for nominal vs actual lumber sizes. Not sure whether to use OSB or plywood? Read our side-by-side comparison.
Common shed sizes and approximate framing lumber needed (16" OC, gable roof, 4:12 pitch, 10% waste).
| Shed Size | Studs (2×4) | Plywood Sheets | Shingle Bundles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 8 ft | ~52 | ~18 | ~7 |
| 8 × 12 ft | ~64 | ~24 | ~9 |
| 10 × 12 ft | ~72 | ~28 | ~11 |
| 10 × 16 ft | ~86 | ~34 | ~13 |
| 12 × 16 ft | ~96 | ~40 | ~15 |
| 12 × 20 ft | ~112 | ~48 | ~18 |
Planning a 10×12 foot shed with 8-foot walls, a 4:12 gable roof, and 16" OC stud spacing? You'll need approximately 72 studs (2×4×8), 6 sheets of plywood for the floor, 11 sheets for the walls, 7 sheets for the roof sheathing, and about 11 bundles of 3-tab shingles. With a 36" entry door and 10% waste factor, your total lumber cost will be roughly $600–$900 depending on local prices. Add roofing, siding, and hardware and a typical 10×12 shed runs $1,500–$2,500 in materials for a complete DIY build.
| Material | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| 2×4×8 stud (SPF) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| 2×6×8 (floor joists, rafters) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 4×8 OSB/plywood (7/16") | $25 – $40 |
| 4×8 T1-11 siding panel | $30 – $50 |
| Bundle of 3-tab shingles | $25 – $35 |
| Roll of 15 lb felt paper | $20 – $30 |
| Drip edge (10 ft) | $5 – $8 |
| Pre-hung shed door (36") | $150 – $300 |
Approximately 65–75 studs at 16" on center spacing, including wall framing, top and bottom plates, door and window headers, and corner posts. Add 10% for waste from cuts and defective boards.
2×6 joists work for sheds up to 8 feet wide. For 10- to 12-foot spans, use 2×8 joists at 16" on center. Pressure-treated lumber is essential for any wood that contacts the ground or foundation.
Divide each surface area (floor, walls, roof) by 32 square feet (the area of a 4×8 sheet). A 10×12 shed typically needs about 24–28 sheets total for floor, walls, and roof sheathing combined.
OSB (oriented strand board) is the most common choice for shed walls and roof sheathing — it's cheaper and performs well in covered applications. Use CDX plywood for the floor and any areas that may get wet before the roof goes on.
Three bundles of standard 3-tab shingles cover one roofing square (100 sq ft). Calculate your total roof area including overhang, divide by 100, and multiply by 3. Add 10–15% for waste from hip and ridge cuts.
Most jurisdictions require a permit for sheds over 120 square feet or taller than a certain height. Sheds under 120 sq ft on skids (not a permanent foundation) are often exempt. Always check your local building department before starting.
Ready to start building? See our complete shed building guide for step-by-step framing, roofing, and finishing instructions.
Typical Results
💡 If board count seems high, try switching from gable to lean-to roof — it eliminates the ridge board and cuts rafter count by about half.
Common Mistakes