MF ceiling calculator

Planning a suspended plasterboard ceiling on an MF grid? Pop in your room size and the drop from the soffit and we’ll work out the MF7 primary channels, MF5 furring sections, MF6A perimeter, hangers, clips, boards and screws you need, priced live from our shelves. You can then add the whole list to your basket in one click.

All metal sections are sold in packs of 10 lengths, so we round up to whole packs and show the price per length as well.

Your ceiling

Distance from the underside of the structure down to the new ceiling line. Sets the hanger length.
450mm is the usual maximum for 12.5mm and 15mm board. With 2400mm long boards, 400mm centres let every board end land on a section.
Added to boards, screws, clips and fixings. Metal sections are worked out from a cutting list.

Your materials list

Hangers are cut from 25 x 25mm galvanised angle and fixed straight to the soffit. MF8 strap hanger, MF12 soffit cleats and MF11 nuts & bolts are not stocked online, call 03330 908479 if your specification needs them.

Estimate only. This list is a guide based on a simple rectangular room. Allow for cuts, wastage, light fittings, access panels and any fire or acoustic specification, and check the final list with your installer or the system specification. Call us on 03330 908479 and we’ll happily check it over before you order.

How to use the calculator

  1. Measure the room wall to wall and enter the length and width in metres.
  2. Enter the drop: the gap between the soffit (slab or joists) and where you want the finished ceiling.
  3. Choose MF5 centres, a plasterboard and the metal range. We pick the cheaper range for you to start with.
  4. Check the list, then press Add all to basket. You can change quantities in the basket.

How we calculate

We follow British Gypsum’s published guidance for MF suspended ceilings (White Book, GypCeiling MF and the Site Book good practice guide):

  • MF7 primary channels span the shorter side of the room at no more than 1200mm centres, resting on the perimeter channel at each end. Joins overlap by 150mm.
  • Hangers go at no more than 1200mm centres along each MF7, giving a 1200 x 1200mm suspension grid. Each hanger is cut to the drop plus 100mm for the bent feet and fixed with two wafer head screws.
  • MF5 furring sections run at right angles under the MF7 at your chosen centres, with one MF9 clip at every crossing. Joins overlap by 150mm and take four screws.
  • MF6A perimeter channel runs round all four walls, fixed at 600mm centres.
  • Boards: room area plus wastage, divided by the sheet size. Screws at 230mm centres along each MF5 and 150mm at board ends.
  • Lengths are worked out from a cutting list that reuses offcuts, then rounded up to packs of 10. Boxed items are rounded up to whole boxes.

Questions

Why are the metal sections sold in packs of 10?

That’s how they come from the mill and how we deliver them. The calculator rounds up to whole packs and shows the price per length, so you can see exactly what each bar costs. Leftover lengths are handy for trimming round lights and hatches.

Should I use 450mm or 400mm MF5 centres?

450mm is the normal maximum for 12.5mm and 15mm plasterboard. Go to 400mm if you want every end of a 2400mm board to land on a section, if you’re adding heavy insulation, or if your specification asks for it.

What if my room isn’t a simple rectangle?

Split it into rectangles, work each one out and add the lists together, or call us with your drawings and we’ll do it for you.

How is it delivered?

By Moffett-mounted lorry in 2–3 working days. Delivery to England and Wales is free on orders over £500 ex VAT, and £50 ex VAT below that. There is a £400 ex VAT minimum order.