Self leveling compound calculator
This self leveling compound calculator tells you how much floor leveler you need for an uneven floor: area × average depth × consumption per millimetre. The data sheet of PCI Periplan Extra gives about 1.6 kg per m² per mm of depth – about 8.3 lb per square foot per inch – and the flowing compound Periplan Flow 1.5 kg per m² per mm.
Example: Units: ft² and inches · Floor area 200 ft² / m² · Depth entered as: average depth · Average depth 0.25 in / mm · Compound: Leveling compound 3–60 mm (Periplan Extra, 1.6 kg/m²/mm) · Bag size: 50 lb · Waste allowance 5 % → Self leveling compound: 9 bags of 50 lb (437 lb). Source: PCI Periplan Extra, Technisches Merkblatt 9/25 – ca. 1,6 kg/m² je mm, Schichtdicke 3–60 mm, Grundierung 100–200 ml/m² (gelesen 09.10.2026). Updated: .
How it is calculated
A 200 ft² floor with an average depth of 1/4 inch needs about 416 lb of self leveling compound, 437 lb with a 5% allowance – that is 9 bags of 50 lb.
How much self leveling compound?
Amount = area × average depth × consumption per unit of depth. The consumption is on the data sheet or bag:
| Product | Consumption | Depth range |
|---|---|---|
| Leveling compound (PCI Periplan Extra) | about 1.6 kg/m² per mm ≈ 8.3 lb/ft² per inch | 3–60 mm (1/8–2 3/8 in) |
| Flowing compound (PCI Periplan Flow) | about 1.5 kg/m² per mm ≈ 7.8 lb/ft² per inch | 0.5–50 mm |
So a 50 lb bag covers about 24 ft² at 1/4 inch, or 48 ft² at 1/8 inch. If the floor dips unevenly, enter the thinnest and the deepest point – the calculator uses the average.
Examples
- 200 ft², 1/4 in: 200 × 0.25 × 8.3 ≈ 416 lb, plus 5% ≈ 437 lb → 9 bags of 50 lb; primer about 0.49–0.98 gal.
- 20 m², 5 mm: 20 × 5 × 1.6 = 160 kg, plus 5% = 168 kg → 7 bags of 25 kg; primer 2–4 l.
- 15 m², 2 to 10 mm (average 6 mm): 144 kg, plus 5% = 151.2 kg → 7 bags of 25 kg.
Once the floor is level, the tile adhesive calculator and the laminate flooring calculator cover the next step. For deeper fills a screed is the better choice.
Limits
The figures apply to the products named; other compounds state their own coverage – choose “my product”. The average depth is the biggest uncertainty: check with a straightedge and wedge at several points. Over wood subfloors, particle board or underfloor heating the data sheet sets minimum depths and extra preparation.
Frequently asked questions
How much self leveling compound do I need per square foot?
About 8.3 lb per square foot per inch of depth (1.6 kg/m² per mm). At 1/4 inch that is roughly 2.1 lb per square foot.
How many square feet does a 50 lb bag of floor leveler cover?
At 8.3 lb per ft² per inch: about 48 ft² at 1/8 inch, 24 ft² at 1/4 inch and 12 ft² at 1/2 inch.
How do I find the average depth?
Lay a straightedge across the floor and measure the deepest dip and the thinnest point. For an even slope, the average of the two is a good estimate.
How thick can self leveling compound be poured?
It depends on the product: PCI Periplan Extra is made for 3 to 60 mm (about 1/8 to 2 3/8 inches), Periplan Flow for 0.5 to 50 mm.
Do I need a primer?
Yes, the subfloor is primed first. PCI gives about 100 to 200 ml per m² for its diluted primer, depending on how absorbent the subfloor is.
When can I walk on self leveling compound?
Periplan Extra can be walked on after about 3 hours at 23 °C and 50% humidity; tiles and carpet can go down after about 3 days according to the data sheet.
Sources and legal basis
- PCI Periplan Extra, Technisches Merkblatt 9/25 – ca. 1,6 kg/m² je mm, Schichtdicke 3–60 mm, Grundierung 100–200 ml/m² (gelesen 09.10.2026)
- PCI Periplan Flow, Technisches Merkblatt 11/25 – ca. 1,5 kg/m² je mm, Schichtdicke 0,5–50 mm (gelesen 09.10.2026)
As of: · Editorial policy
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