How to count boards and battens
Board and batten alternates wide vertical boards with narrow battens that cover the gaps between them. The number of boards is the wall width in inches divided by each board's width plus the gap, rounded up: boards = wall width (in) ÷ (board width + gap). You then need roughly one batten per seam.
How to use this calculator
Enter the wall width in feet, your board width in inches, and the gap you'll leave between boards. The result gives the number of boards and an estimate of the battens. Measure each wall separately and add them up for a whole exterior. Battens usually land on framing, so check the layout in the stud calculator.
Add for waste and trim
Buy about 10% extra for cuts, waste and mistakes. Account for windows and doors by subtracting their width, and remember battens also run at the corners. To estimate the wall area for paint or wrap, use the square footage calculator.
Layout matters as much as the count. Rather than starting at one corner and leaving a sliver at the far end, divide the wall so the boards land symmetrically and adjust the gap by a fraction of an inch across the run so both ends match. Finishing the wall takes more coverage than bare drywall, as the paint calculator shows.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate board and batten?
- Divide the wall width in inches by the board width plus the gap, and round up for the number of boards. Use about one batten per seam.
- How many battens do I need?
- Roughly one batten per seam between boards, plus battens at the corners and edges. A quick estimate is about one batten per board.
- What spacing is used for board and batten?
- Boards are commonly 6–12 inches wide with battens about 2–3 inches wide. Wider boards mean fewer pieces but a different look.
- Should I add extra for waste?
- Yes, about 10% for cuts and mistakes, and subtract the area of windows and doors.
- Can I install board and batten over drywall?
- Yes, and it is the usual method for interior accent walls. Find the studs first and fasten the boards into them rather than into drywall alone, then caulk the edges and fill the nail holes before painting.