USCalculates is a free collection of calculators for the money questions behind home projects and car ownership: how much to buy, and what it will cost.
Who is behind it
USCalculates is built and maintained by Dr. Deepak N. Paithankar, a civil engineer with a PhD in Civil Engineering who has spent his career teaching quantity estimation, construction materials and costing. The same methods engineers use to estimate materials for real projects are behind every home calculator on this site.
How the calculators are made
- Formulas are shown. Every page explains its math with a worked example you can check with a pencil.
- Prices come from named sources. Default prices use current US data from sources such as AAA, Experian, the Energy Information Administration and published cost guides. Each page lists its sources and when it was last reviewed.
- Estimates, not quotes. Local prices vary. The calculators help you plan and compare; a contractor, supplier or lender gives you the final number.
Found an error?
If a number looks wrong, please say so on the contact page. Corrections are made promptly and the page’s review date is updated.