ModelCalcs.uk
Material Calculator — Styrene & Supplies
Estimate how much styrene sheet, rod and tube to buy for your scratch-building project, with a waste allowance and pack count.
How We Calculate This
Calculates material quantities with a waste allowance, then works out how many standard packs you need to buy and the total cost.
Formula
- Material with waste = Required amount × (1 + Waste %)
- Packs needed = Material with waste ÷ Pack size (rounded up)
- Sheet pack = 450 sq.cm per sheet (one 150 × 300mm / 6 × 12in sheet)
- Rod/tube pack = ~2,100mm (6 × 350mm lengths)
Defaults assume one 6 × 12in sheet (450 sq.cm) per pack and 6 lengths of 350mm rod/tube per pack. Real Evergreen sheet packs hold 1-4 sheets depending on thickness — set your actual pack size in Advanced Options for an accurate count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow 15-20% waste for experienced scratch-builders, 25-30% for beginners. Off-cuts can be saved and used for small details on future projects. Wastage is higher with curved parts than straight cuts.
Evergreen styrene sheets are 150 x 300mm (6 x 12 inches) — one sheet is 450 sq.cm. Pack quantity varies by thickness: thin sheets (e.g. .010in/0.25mm) come 4 per pack, mid-gauges 2 per pack, and thick sheets (e.g. .080in/2.0mm) just 1 per pack. Rod and strip come in 350mm (14 inch) lengths, typically 5-10 per pack depending on diameter. Tube usually comes 3-5 lengths per pack. Set the pack size in Advanced Options to match the product you are buying.
Evergreen and Plastruct products are available from most UK model shops. Online retailers like Hannants, BNA Model World, and eBay stock full ranges. Hobbycraft carries basic sizes. Buy in bulk online for the best value.
Card (mounting board) is cheap and easy to work with for buildings. Balsa wood is good for curved surfaces. Brass and nickel silver for fine detail. Foamboard for terrain and large structures. Each material has different properties and joining methods.
Related Calculators
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Tube Size Calculator
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Template Calculator
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Structure Calculator
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.