Free glue calculator for accurate wood glue coverage and cost estimation. Calculate adhesive needed for joints, panels, and projects. Compare PVA glue, polyurethane, epoxy, and hide glue coverage rates. Determine glue consumption, prevent waste, and save money.
Enter joint dimensions and adhesive specifications to calculate your glue consumption requirements and application timeline.
| Adhesive Type | Coverage Rate | Open Time | Clamp Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVA Wood Glue | 150-200 sq ft/gal | 10-15 min | 30-60 min | Edge joints, general woodworking |
| Polyurethane | 200-250 sq ft/gal | 15-20 min | 1-2 hours | Outdoor, moisture exposure |
| Epoxy | 20-50 sq ft/qt | 5-60 min (varies) | 15 min - 24 hrs | Gap-filling, dissimilar materials |
| Hide Glue | 100-150 sq ft/gal | 5-10 min (hot) | 1-2 hours | Restoration, reversible joints |
| CA Glue | Drops per joint | 5-30 seconds | Instant - 2 min | Small repairs, inlays, turning |
| Construction Adhesive | 30-60 sq ft/tube | 10-15 min | 24 hours | Subfloor, panel bonding |
Volume = (Joint Area × Joints) ÷ Coverage Rate × (1 + Waste%) Temperature and humidity significantly affect adhesive performance. Most wood glues perform best at 65-75°F with 40-50% relative humidity. Outside these ranges, adjust your workflow accordingly.
The working window after glue application before it begins to set. PVA: 10-15 min, Polyurethane: 15-20 min, Hide glue: 5-10 min. Shorter in heat, longer in cold.
Minimum time joints must remain under pressure for initial cure. Not full cure — most adhesives reach full strength in 24 hours.
Area that can be covered per unit volume of adhesive, measured in sq ft per gallon. Varies by application method, viscosity, and material porosity.
Excess glue that emerges from a joint under clamping pressure. A small, continuous bead indicates proper coverage. No squeeze-out = too little glue.
Polyvinyl acetate — the most common wood glue. Water-based, dries clear, easy cleanup. Type I (waterproof), Type II (water-resistant), Type III (interior).
Moisture-curing adhesive that expands during cure. Bonds wood, metal, glass, stone. Waterproof. Requires moisture to activate — mist dry wood surfaces.
Two-part adhesive (resin + hardener). Gap-filling, structural strength, bonds dissimilar materials. Available in 5-minute to 24-hour formulations.
Traditional animal-protein adhesive. Reversible with heat/moisture — ideal for instrument making and restoration. Available as hot (granules) or liquid form.
Calculate the total glue line area (length × width of each joint), consider the joint type and adhesive coverage rate, and add 15-20% for waste. Different adhesives have varying coverage rates and application requirements.
PVA is water-based, dries clear, and easy to clean but not waterproof. Polyurethane is waterproof, expands while curing, bonds more materials but requires moisture to cure and is harder to clean.
Apply enough to cover the entire surface with a thin, even layer. Slight squeeze-out when clamped indicates proper coverage — too little won't bond, too much creates weak thick glue lines.
High humidity slows PVA but helps polyurethane. Low humidity speeds PVA but may prevent polyurethane curing. High temp speeds curing but reduces open time. Ideal: 65-75°F, 40-50% humidity.
Brush for PVA and hide glue, squeeze bottle for precise application, roller for large surfaces, caulk gun for construction adhesive, spreader for even panel coverage.
PVA: 30-60 min. Polyurethane: 1-2 hours. Epoxy: varies (15 min to 24 hrs). Hide glue: 1-2 hours. CA glue: seconds to minutes. Always check manufacturer specs.