Tarp Size Calculator
Enter the length, width and height of what you are covering and the overhang you want at the edges. The calculator works out the tarp size needed, picks a standard tarp whose finished size is big enough and counts the tie-downs.
- Tarp size needed
- Standard tarp
- Tie-downs
Overhang is the extra at each edge to tie down below the load.
The height counts twice, once down each side. Tarp needed = length + 2 × height + 2 × overhang, by width + 2 × height + 2 × overhang. A 16 × 6 ft load, 3 ft high, with 1 ft overhang needs 24 × 14 ft, so buy a 20 × 30 ft tarp. Tarps finish about 5% smaller than the label.
Tarp size chart
Standard sizes. Search for a size.
| Label size (ft) | Finished (ft) | Area (sq ft) | In metres |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 × 8 | 5.7 × 7.6 | 48 | 1.8 × 2.4 |
| 8 × 10 | 7.6 × 9.5 | 80 | 2.4 × 3.0 |
| 10 × 12 | 9.5 × 11.4 | 120 | 3.0 × 3.7 |
| 12 × 16 | 11.4 × 15.2 | 192 | 3.7 × 4.9 |
| 16 × 20 | 15.2 × 19.0 | 320 | 4.9 × 6.1 |
| 20 × 20 | 19.0 × 19.0 | 400 | 6.1 × 6.1 |
| 20 × 30 | 19.0 × 28.5 | 600 | 6.1 × 9.1 |
| 30 × 40 | 28.5 × 38.0 | 1200 | 9.1 × 12.2 |
| 40 × 60 | 38.0 × 57.0 | 2400 | 12.2 × 18.3 |
Finished size is about 5% smaller.
Load length and tarp
6 ft wide, 3 ft high, 1 ft overhang. Slide the load length.
The tarp is drawn over the load.
How to size a tarp
Load to tarp. Step through it.
Measure
L, W and H.
Use bungee cords rather than rope where the tarp flaps, so wind loads are softened.
Light, medium or heavy duty
Tarp grades. Compare them.
Short jobs.
General.
Long term.
Heavy duty tarps last for years outdoors. Light tarps suit short jobs.
Before you buy
Tarp checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Never use a tarp to cover a vehicle's lights or number plate on the road.
What you get
Tarp sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Size.
To buy.
Size.
Square feet.
Count.
A tarp pulled tight sheds rain. A loose one fills with water and tears.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size tarp do I need?
Add twice the height and twice the overhang to both the length and the width of what you are covering.
Are tarps smaller than their label?
Yes. Most finish about five per cent smaller after hemming.
What size tarp covers a car?
Most cars need about a twenty by thirty foot tarp to reach the ground.
How much overhang should a tarp have?
At least a foot, so you can tie down below the load.
How many tie-downs do I need?
One at each eyelet, about every three feet round the edge.
What size tarp for a woodpile?
Cover the top and about a third of the way down the sides.
Is a heavy duty tarp worth it?
For long outdoor use, yes, as it resists tearing and sun.
Covered and secure
Buy a tarp big enough to reach down the sides and tie off, and it stays put in wind and rain.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.