Duct Insulation Calculator

Ducts running through an attic or crawlspace can lose 20 to 30% of the air you paid to heat. Enter your duct run to size the wrap and tape.

Your project

Covers cuts, compression and odd bays. 10% is the usual default.

Your results

Wrap needed
207 sq ft
Wrap width to buy
41 in

Circumference plus 3 in for the seam overlap

R-value
R-6
Foil tape required
78 ft

Seams every 4 ft plus longitudinal seam

Estimated material cost
$197
Annual savings estimate
$72

Typical for ducts in unconditioned space

Estimates use typical US material and labor pricing. Confirm quantities against the coverage chart on the bag before you buy.

Gear for this job

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How this calculator works

  • Outer circumference = π × (duct diameter + 2 × wrap thickness)
  • Wrap area = circumference (ft) × duct length × (1 + waste %)
  • Tape = duct length × 1.3

Frequently asked questions

What R-value should duct insulation be?

R-6 is the common minimum for ducts in unconditioned space, and R-8 is required in hot or cold climate zones. Ducts inside the conditioned envelope need only sealing.

Should I seal ducts before insulating?

Always. Mastic or foil tape on every joint first — insulating over leaky ducts just hides the loss.

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