Insulation Cost Calculator
Installed cost by the square foot, with every rate open for editing.
Estimated installed cost
$2,959.00
- Material
- $1,560.00
- Labor
- $650.00
- Old insulation removal
- $0.00
- Air sealing
- $480.00
- Vapor barrier
- $0.00
- Subtotal
- $2,690.00
- Contingency (10%)
- $269.00
- Cost per sq ft
- $2.47/sq ft
- DIY material-only
- $1,560.00
Estimates only. Contractor pricing varies widely by region, attic access and season.
Need quantities and R-value depth first? Use the insulation calculator →
How this is calculated
material = area × material $/sq ft labor = crew hours × hourly rate add-ons = area × ($/sq ft for removal, air sealing, barrier) total = (material + labor + add-ons) × (1 + contingency%) per sq ft = total / area
Material presets are mid-range national material prices, not installed prices, and they simply populate the editable field. Any figure you get from a local supplier or bid should replace them.
Typical installed insulation prices
| Material | Material only | Installed | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass batt | $0.60-$1.20/sq ft | $1.30-$2.20/sq ft | Open stud walls, joist bays |
| Mineral wool batt | $1.20-$2.10/sq ft | $2.00-$3.20/sq ft | Sound control, fire resistance |
| Blown fiberglass | $0.80-$1.40/sq ft | $1.40-$2.40/sq ft | Attic floors |
| Blown cellulose | $1.00-$1.70/sq ft | $1.60-$2.80/sq ft | Attic floors, dense-pack walls |
| Open-cell spray foam | $1.50-$2.60/sq ft | $3.00-$4.80/sq ft | Cathedral ceilings, air sealing |
| Closed-cell spray foam | $3.00-$4.80/sq ft | $4.50-$8.00/sq ft | Rim joists, crawl spaces |
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to insulate an attic?
A typical 1,200 square foot attic blown to R-49 runs roughly $1,700 to $3,500 installed in most markets, or $600 to $1,000 in materials if you rent a blower and do it yourself. Spray foam on the roof deck can be three to four times that.
Is spray foam worth the extra cost?
Closed-cell foam earns its price where you need air sealing, high R per inch and moisture control in one step — rim joists, cathedral ceilings, shallow cavities. For an open attic floor with unlimited depth, blown cellulose delivers the same R-value for far less money.
How much does removing old insulation cost?
Vacuum removal and disposal typically runs $1 to $2 per square foot, more if there is vermiculite, rodent contamination or difficult access. Removal is only necessary when the material is wet, moldy, contaminated or you need a clean deck for air sealing.
Can I install insulation myself?
Batts and blown-in in an accessible attic are realistic DIY projects, and most home centers lend a blower with a material purchase. Spray foam, dense-pack walls and anything requiring confined-space work should be left to insured contractors.
How long until insulation pays for itself?
Attic upgrades in a poorly insulated house commonly pay back in three to seven years through heating and cooling savings. Payback stretches well past a decade if the existing insulation is already near code, which is why the biggest deficits should be fixed first.
Are there rebates for insulation?
Many utilities and national energy programs offer rebates or tax credits for insulation and air sealing, often covering a meaningful share of the job. These change frequently, so check current programs before scheduling work — this calculator does not model them.
All cost figures are estimates that vary by region, season and contractor. They are not quotes and not professional advice. Collect at least three written bids.