Free workshop calculators that size your dust collector, air compressor, shop heater and electrical, estimate workshop cost, and plan the layout, plus ready-to-shop tool setups from a first bench to a full pro shop.
Your first tool setup, ready to shop
The companion workbook
by Sam Whitaker
Plan a garage or basement shop on paper before you buy the first machine: layout, electrical, dust collection, air, heating and lighting worksheets, plus a tool buying order and maintenance logs. The formulas are the same ones behind the calculators on this site.
Paperback on Amazon →Each calculator gives you exact specifications, plain-English explanations, and equipment recommendations.
Dust collector calculator: CFM and HP for your tools and duct layout, with a CFM chart by machine.
Calculate Now →Size your compressor based on tool CFM requirements.
Calculate →Calculate total load and subpanel requirements.
Calculate →Size a heater based on space, insulation, and climate.
Calculate →Size a mini-split for year-round heating and cooling.
Calculate →Find the optimal workbench height for your body.
Calculate →Calculate duct diameter and static pressure.
Calculate →Visualize your shop layout with clearance zones.
Plan Layout →Calculate lumber volume and estimate project costs.
Calculate →Find the right wire gauge for ampacity and voltage drop.
Calculate →Calculate cubic yards and bags for your project.
Calculate →Find tap drill and clearance hole sizes for threads.
Calculate →Calculate RPM and belt speed for pulley systems.
Calculate →Calculate weight of steel, aluminum, and other materials.
Calculate →Minimize waste and plan your sheet cuts efficiently.
Optimize →Calculate how many gallons of paint you need.
Calculate →Board feet, cut lists and dust runs all assume a machine on the other end. These are the ones that show up most across the calculators here.
DEWALT DWS780 12 in Sliding Miter Saw
Double bevel sliding cut, the saw most shop layouts here are built around
Check price on Amazon →
DEWALT DW734 12-1/2 in Benchtop Planer
Three-knife cutterhead, the cheapest route to dimensioning your own stock
Check price on Amazon →
DEWALT DW618PK Router Kit
Fixed and plunge bases in one kit, which covers table and handheld work
Check price on Amazon →
Central Machinery 2 HP Dust Collector
Two horsepower at five micron, sized for a one-person shop rather than a vac
Check price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices change, so check before buying.
Find calculators and guides specific to your workshop type.
Dust collection, workbenches, and layout planning for wood shops.
Electrical, air compressors, and ventilation for metal shops.
Air systems, heating, and electrical for garage workshops.
Maximize limited space with smart layout and equipment choices.
Complete guide to dust collection systems and sizing.
Air compressor sizing and pneumatic tool requirements.
Subpanel sizing, circuit planning, and load calculations.
Heater BTU and mini-split sizing for year-round comfort.
Quick-lookup charts for common workshop specs. Searchable, sortable, and always free.
Fractional, number, letter, and metric drill bit sizes with tap drill references.
View Chart →SAE and metric torque specs for Grade 2/5/8 and Class 8.8/10.9/12.9 fasteners.
View Chart →Screw gauges, pilot hole sizes, and recommended lengths by material thickness.
View Chart →Pilot hole sizes for wood screws in softwood and hardwood by gauge.
View Chart →Nominal vs. actual lumber sizes for common dimensional lumber and plywood.
View Chart →Recommended drill press RPM by bit size and material for wood, metal, and plastic.
View Chart →Reference charts for drill bits, fasteners, lumber, sandpaper, glue, and more.
View All →Gift ideas ranked from the big machines down to stocking stuffers, every one a specific stocked model, with the calculators here to confirm it fits their shop.
Table saw, bandsaw, dust collector, and track saw first, then under $50 picks.
Read Guide →Garage and DIY dad gifts for the person who has everything.
Read Guide →Welders, lathes, calipers, and layout tools.
Read Guide →Under $100, under $50, and under $25 tools that get used.
Read Guide →Match the big tool to their shop size and power.
Try It →Expert-researched reviews to help you pick the right workshop equipment.
Cabinet, contractor, hybrid, and jobsite saws compared and ranked.
Read Guide →8 dust collectors ranked by CFM for small and large shops.
Read Guide →9 air compressors compared for garages and workshops.
Read Guide →Top shop vacs for workshops, from budget to heavy-duty.
Read Guide →Benchtop and stationary planers compared for hobbyists and pros.
Read Guide →20+ guides covering table saws, dust collectors, jointers, and more.
View All →Three steps to the right equipment for your shop.
Tell us about your workshop size, tools, and requirements. Our calculators adapt to your specific situation.
Receive exact specifications with plain-English explanations. Understand why, not just what.
See equipment recommendations that match your calculated requirements. Compare options and buy with confidence.
Plan the shop layout, the dust collection run and the circuits; take every project from a cut list to a lumber order, a glue-up and a finishing schedule; keep every machine tuned, sharp and logged. Printable worksheets plus spreadsheets, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.