Metal Panel Calculator

Panel count and sub-framing for ACM or metal cladding.

Inputs

Wall area (sq ft)

Panel width (in)

Panel height (in)

Panel thickness (in)

Design wind speed (mph)

Building height (ft)

Waste allowance (%)

%

Tab to move between fields

Results

Panels to order

35

Wind pressure + (psf)

22

Sub-frame channels (LF)510

Panel clips54

Self-drilling screws496

Wind pressure − (psf)26.9

Total weight (lbs)1,600

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Net Wall Area in sq ft — the surface receiving metal or ACM panels after openings.
Set Panel Width and Panel Height in inches to match your specific panel product.
Enter Panel Thickness and Design Wind Speed (mph) per ASCE 7 for your site.
Set Building Height above grade — taller buildings experience higher wind pressures.
Review Panels to Order, Sub-Frame Channels (LF), Panel Clips, Design Wind Pressure (psf), and Total Weight (lbs).

How the result changes with Wall area (sq ft)

Wall area (sq ft)	Panels to order	Wind pressure + (psf)
10,001	335	22
35,001	1,171	22
65,000	2,175	22
90,000	3,010	22

What each input means

Wall area (sq ft): Net facade area to be clad in metal panels.
Panel width (in): Width of each metal/ACM panel.
Panel height (in): Height of each metal/ACM panel.
Panel thickness (in): Panel thickness (3mm ACM ≈ 0.125", 4mm ≈ 0.157").
Design wind speed (mph): Ultimate design wind speed per ASCE 7.
Building height (ft): Height of facade above grade.
Waste allowance (%): Extra panels for cuts and fitting.

What each result means

Panels to order: Metal/ACM panels including waste.
Sub-frame channels (LF): Total linear feet of hat channel/tube sub-framing.
Panel clips: Number of attachment clips at framing intersections.
Self-drilling screws: Total fasteners for clips and panel attachment.
Wind pressure + (psf): Positive (inward) design wind pressure on panels.
Wind pressure − (psf): Negative (suction) design wind pressure on panels.
Total weight (lbs): Dead load of metal panel cladding.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Wall area (sq ft) = 1000, Panel width (in) = 48, Panel height (in) = 96, Panel thickness (in) = 0.125 = 7 input(s) provided
Calculate Panels to order
Panels to order = ceil(netPanels * (1 + wastePct / 100))
35 = 35
Calculate Wind pressure +
Wind pressure + = qPsf * 0.9
22 = 22
Calculate Sub-frame channels
Sub-frame channels = round(verticalChannelLF + horizontalChannelLF)
510 = 510
Calculate Panel clips
54 = 54

Engine last updated August 5, 2026.

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