Epoxy Flake Calculator

Find how many pounds of decorative color flakes (chips) to buy for a garage or basement floor, from a light scatter to a full broadcast.

Coverage:
1. Floor size (feet)
2. Coverage and boxes

Rates are typical starting points for 1/4 inch flakes. Use your supplier's number if it is listed.

Flakes needed

– lb

– kg · – sq ft

Boxes to buy–
Cost–
Left over–

Next steps

Gallons of epoxy for the base and top coatCoverage per gallon at any thickness

How to use this calculator

  1. Measure the floor in feet, or add up each part of an L-shaped floor.
  2. Choose light, medium or full broadcast, or type your supplier's square feet per pound.
  3. Enter the box size you plan to buy to see how many boxes and the cost.

How the calculation works

  • Pounds = floor area ÷ square feet per pound × (1 + extra %)
  • Boxes = pounds ÷ pounds per box, rounded up
  • 1 lb = 0.454 kg

Pounds of flakes for common garages

FloorLightMediumFull
1-car, 12 × 22 ft3 lb7 lb26 lb
2-car, 22 × 22 ft5 lb12 lb48 lb
3-car, 32 × 22 ft7 lb18 lb70 lb

Before extra. Typical rates: light 1 lb per 100 sq ft, medium 1 lb per 40 sq ft, full 1 lb per 10 sq ft.

Tips for broadcasting flakes

  • Throw flakes up into the air so they fall evenly, rather than throwing them at the floor.
  • Work in sections while the base coat is still wet, using spiked shoes to walk on it.
  • Mix all boxes together first so the color blend is the same across the floor.

Frequently asked questions

How many pounds of flakes do I need for a 2-car garage?

A 22 × 22 ft garage (484 sq ft) needs about 48 lb for a full broadcast at 1 lb per 10 sq ft, or about 5 lb for a light scatter. Buy a little extra, because you cannot match a color batch later.

What is a full broadcast of flakes?

You throw flakes into the wet base coat until no more stick and the surface looks completely covered. After it cures you scrape and sweep away the loose flakes, then apply a clear top coat.

How much area does a pound of epoxy flakes cover?

Roughly 10 square feet in a full broadcast, and 100 square feet or more for a light scatter. Flake size changes this, so check your supplier's coverage rate and enter it in the calculator.

Can I reuse the extra flakes after a full broadcast?

Many installers sweep up the loose, clean flakes and reuse them on the next section or project. Throw away any that are dirty or stuck together.