How to Calculate Quantity of Shuttering Formwork (Step-by-Step Guide)

Shuttering, also known as formwork, is a temporary structure used in concrete construction to give shape and support to fresh concrete until it gains sufficient strength. Generally, wooden planks, plywood, and other supporting materials are used for this purpose. Once the concrete hardens, the shuttering is removed.

In this article, we will learn how to calculate the quantity of shuttering formwork using simple thumb rules, which are commonly used on construction sites for approximate estimation.

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Why Shuttering Is Used

To give desired shape to concrete members

To support concrete until it becomes self-supporting

To ensure proper alignment and surface finish

Since it is removed after use, shuttering is considered a temporary structure

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Example for Shuttering Calculation

Let us assume a slab with the following dimensions:

Length of slab = 50 ft

Width of slab = 30 ft

Covered Area Calculation

$$\text{Covered Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width}$$$$= 50 \times 30 = 1500 \text{ sq.ft}$$

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Materials Required for Shuttering

1. Plywood

2. Wooden Battens

3. Nails

4. Beam Bottom Plates

5. Wooden Ballies

6. MS Clamps

7. Shuttering Oil

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1. Calculation of Plywood Quantity

Standard plywood size:

8 ft × 4 ft

Thickness: 12 mm

Thumb Rule:

Plywood = Covered Area × 0.02

$$= 1500 \times 0.02 = 30 \text{ sheets}$$

✅ Required Plywood = 30 Nos

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2. Calculation of Wooden Battens

Standard size: 3″ × 3″

Thumb Rule:

Wooden Battens = Covered Area × 0.04

$$= 1500 \times 0.04 = 600 \text{ RFT}$$

RFT (Running Feet) means the total length of material required.

✅ Required Wooden Battens = 600 RFT

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3. Calculation of Nails

Thumb Rule:

Nails = Covered Area × 0.02

$$= 1500 \times 0.02 = 30 \text{ kg}$$

✅ Required Nails = 30 kg

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4. Beam Bottom Plates Calculation

Thickness of plate: 1.5″

Thumb Rule:

Beam Bottom Plates = Covered Area × 0.24

$$= 1500 \times 0.24 = 360 \text{ RFT}$$

✅ Required Beam Bottom Plates = 360 RFT

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5. Wooden Ballies Calculation

For Beams

Thumb Rule:

Wooden Ballies = Beam Bottom Plate RFT × 0.5

$$= 360 \times 0.5 = 180 \text{ Nos}$$

For Slab

Thumb Rule:

Wooden Ballies = Covered Area × 0.16

$$= 1500 \times 0.16 = 240 \text{ Nos}$$

✅ Total Wooden Ballies Required = 420 Nos

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6. MS Clamps Calculation

Thumb Rule:

MS Clamps = Covered Area × 0.08

$$= 1500 \times 0.08 = 120 \text{ Nos}$$

✅ Required MS Clamps = 120 Nos

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7. Shuttering Oil Calculation

Thumb Rule:

Shuttering Oil = Covered Area × 0.006

$$= 1500 \times 0.006 = 9 \text{ liters}$$

✅ Required Shuttering Oil = 9 Liters

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Important Notes

These quantities are approximate estimates based on thumb rules.

For accurate quantity, exact dimensions of slab, beams, columns, and supports must be considered.

Thumb rules may vary depending on: 

Type of formwork 

Site conditions 

Spacing of supports 

Size of shuttering plates

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Conclusion

Thumb rules are very helpful for quick estimation of shuttering materials during planning and budgeting. However, for final billing and execution, always rely on detailed drawings and exact measurements.