MF Ceiling Calculator | MF5, MF7 & Plasterboard
Your Material Estimate
Tired of over-ordering materials or pausing jobs because you’re short on MF9 clips?
Whether you are pricing a commercial drylining ceiling or dropping a residential soffit for soundproofing, estimating the exact materials for a metal frame ceiling can be frustrating. This UK MF ceiling calculator gives you an accurate, trade-ready material list in seconds.
📐 How to use the calculator
We have designed this tool to be as frictionless as possible. Simply enter your room dimensions (length and width in metres) and your required ceiling drop.
Select whether you are installing a single or double boarded ceiling, and choose your preferred plasterboard size. For specific architectural specs, open the Advanced Options to adjust centres and waste allowances.
📋 What the results include
Your results provide a rounded-up shopping list based on standard UK 3.6m stock lengths. The output covers your plasterboard, primary support channels, furring sections, edge trims, connecting clips, and suspension hardware.
We also calculate an estimated screw count so you don't get caught out during the boarding phase.
Common MF ceiling components explained
MF5 Furring Section
The lower grid section that your plasterboard directly screws into. Usually spaced at 450mm centres.
MF7 Primary Channel
The heavy-duty upper support grid that holds the MF5. Usually spaced at 900mm or 1200mm centres.
MF6A Perimeter Trim
The edge channel fixed around your walls to support the perimeter of the suspended ceiling.
MF9 Clips
The wire clips used to securely connect the MF5 furring sections to the MF7 primary channels at every intersection.
MF17 Hanger Angle
Galvanised angle used to suspend the MF7 channels from the structural soffit above. Cut to size based on your ceiling drop.
Acoustic Hangers
An alternative to rigid MF17, used to decouple the ceiling from the joists above to improve soundproofing.
MF Ceiling Structure Overview
*If you have your own branded infographic image, you can easily replace this diagram with a standard image tag in the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MF ceiling?
An MF (Metal Frame) ceiling is a suspended plasterboard ceiling system. It uses a concealed metal grid suspended from the structural soffit, allowing you to create a smooth, seamless finish while hiding services, pipes, and wiring in the ceiling void.
What is the difference between MF5 and MF7?
The MF7 is the primary support channel that hangs from the ceiling above. The MF5 is the furring section that clips underneath the MF7 at right angles. You screw your plasterboard directly into the MF5, not the MF7.
Which plasterboard size should I choose?
2400mm x 1200mm is the standard for most commercial and large residential projects. 1800mm x 900mm boards are smaller, lighter, and easier to carry up stairs or through tight residential hallways.
Can this calculator handle irregular rooms?
This calculator assumes a standard rectangular room. If you have an L-shaped or highly irregular room, calculate the total square metre area, enter a length and width that equals that area, and use the "Extra Perimeter" advanced option to account for the additional wall edges.