Quartz Slab Project Calculator
Calculate how many quartz slabs you need for kitchens and bathrooms. Factors slab size, layout, cutouts, and backsplash. Pre-loaded with standard and jumbo presets.
Estimates based on USITC and CBP data. Verify duty classification before commit. Methodology →
Standard: 25.5" = 24" base cabinet + 1" overhang.
Get your quartz spec as a 1-page PDF: slabs needed, edge-profile cost, cutouts, container fit. Match it against fabricator quotes.
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Quote in 48–72h with origin documentation.
For under 4 slabs, LCL shipping is often more cost-effective than FCL. See the Container Cost Calculator to compare.
For food-contact surfaces (commercial kitchens, F&B), specify NSF 51 or NSF 350 certification at sourcing — most premium quartz brands carry it.
- Quartz from Spain: ~3.2% standard duty, zero Section 301, zero AD/CVD.
- Quartz from China: triggers Section 301 (+25%) plus active AD/CVD (visible in the China AD/CVD Calculator).
- Quartz from India and Turkey: AD active but rates under 10% for most exporters.
See full breakdown(12)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base countertop sqft 10 LF × 25.5" deep | $21 |
| Island sqft | $0 |
| Backsplash sqft No backsplash | $0 |
| Total countertop sqft | $21 |
| Waste factor 15% base + 1 cutouts × 2% (capped at 30%) | $17 |
| Total with waste | $25 |
| Slab size (standard) 120" × 55" — standard | $46 |
| Usable per slab (85% yield) 85% accounts for edge waste + transit breakage | $39 |
| Slabs needed | $1 |
| Containers (20ft FCL) 12 standard slabs per 20ft container | $1 |
| FOB low (China reference) $8/sqft × 1 slab(s) × 45.8 sqft | $367 |
| FOB high (Spain reference) $35/sqft × 1 slab(s) × 45.8 sqft | $1,604 |
Methodology and data sources
Our slab math starts with the dimensionally correct formula: a counter N linear feet long at W inches deep covers (N × W) / 12 square feet. A 10-foot kitchen at 25.5 inches deep is therefore 21.25 sqft — not 1.77 sqft, which would assume the linear measurement was in inches.
Slab sizes use the Cosentino and Caesarstone factory spec sheets: standard quartz slabs are 120 by 55 inches (45.83 sqft) and jumbo slabs are 130 by 65 inches (58.68 sqft). We apply the industry-standard 85% usable yield after edge waste and transit breakage, leaving roughly 38.96 usable sqft per standard slab.
Waste factor starts at 15% for straight runs and adds 2% per cutout (sinks, cooktops), capped at 30% to keep estimates grounded. Container fit assumes A-frame wooden crating with foam edge protection: 12 standard or 8 jumbo slabs per 20-foot FCL. FOB range estimates ($8 to $35 per sqft) bracket the spread between China low-end and Spain premium based on Q1 2026 verified Nexo supplier quotes — our wholesale quartz countertops sourcing guide breaks down each origin (Spain, China, India, Brazil) by FOB, lead time, and lot consistency. NSF 51 and NSF 350 food-safe certifications are flagged in output for commercial kitchen and F&B specs. If you are looking at Chinese quartz, the China AD/CVD primer explains why the 524% duty stack rarely pencils out vs Spain or India.
Sources & last update(6)
Frequently asked questions
How many quartz slabs do I need for a 10-foot kitchen?
A 10 linear foot counter at 25.5" depth covers 21.25 sqft. Adding 15% straight-run waste plus 2% per cutout puts you at roughly 25 sqft to order. Standard 120"×55" slabs yield about 39 usable sqft after the 85% rule, so order 1 slab for safety. L-shapes with islands typically need 2 to 3 slabs.
What's the difference between standard and jumbo quartz slabs?
Standard quartz slabs measure 120 by 55 inches — about 45.8 sqft each. Jumbo slabs measure 130 by 65 inches — about 58.7 sqft, roughly 28% more material per slab. Jumbo lets you cut larger continuous pieces (waterfall edges, full islands) with fewer seams, but jumbo slabs need taller crating and only fit 8 per 20ft container vs 12 standard.
Why does quartz from China have antidumping duty?
Active since 2019, Commerce Department orders impose antidumping (169.78%) and countervailing (178.99%) duties on Chinese engineered quartz over the standard 3.2% import duty plus Section 301. The case found Chinese exporters were selling below fair value. Verify supplier-specific cash deposit rates with USITC — every Chinese quartz shipment needs the Section 301 worksheet at customs.
Is quartz cheaper than granite when imported?
Quartz FOB China runs $8 to $15 per sqft. Granite FOB India runs $10 to $18. After applying 25% Section 301 plus active AD/CVD to Chinese quartz, Indian granite usually lands cheaper. Spanish and Vietnamese quartz avoid Section 301 entirely. For matched colors at scale, the landed-cost math frequently favors granite from Brazil or quartz from Spain.
How much waste should I plan for quartz cuts?
Plan 15% base waste for simple straight runs, plus 2% extra per cutout for sinks and cooktops. L-shapes and islands push you to 20 to 25%. Mitered or waterfall edges may add another 5 to 10%. Our calculator caps the waste factor at 30% to keep estimates grounded. Ask your fabricator to nest cuts on a single slab when possible.
Can I use quartz outdoors?
Most engineered quartz is not rated for outdoor use. UV light fades the resin binder over time and direct sun can cause discoloration or surface cracking. For outdoor kitchens, BBQ counters, or patio bars, specify porcelain countertop slabs or natural granite from Brazil or India instead. A few quartz brands offer UV-stable lines but they remain a small share of the market.
Do quartz slabs come with NSF certification?
Most premium quartz brands (Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, Vicostone) carry NSF 51 for food-contact surfaces. Some also hold NSF 350 for greywater applications. Mid-tier and Chinese factory-direct slabs may or may not be NSF-certified. If your project is a commercial kitchen or F&B counter, ask the supplier for the NSF certificate by lot number before placing the order.
How long does quartz countertop installation take?
After templating, fabrication takes 5 to 10 business days for a typical kitchen. Installation itself runs 4 to 8 hours for a straight kitchen and 8 to 12 for an L-shape with island. Total from template to install: 2 to 3 weeks. If you are importing slabs direct, add 6 to 10 weeks production at the factory plus 3 to 5 weeks ocean transit.
Should I order slabs from one supplier or split between two?
Always order from one supplier and one production lot to avoid color variation. Quartz batches differ batch-to-batch even within the same SKU. If you must split between two suppliers, request samples from the same batch number and verify color match in person before committing. For 8+ slab orders, lot consistency becomes critical — confirm with your supplier in writing.
How many quartz slabs fit in a 20ft container?
A 20ft container with A-frame wooden crating holds approximately 12 standard slabs (120×55) or 8 jumbo slabs (130×65). A 40HQ container roughly doubles that — 22 to 26 standard or 15 to 18 jumbo. Crating is required: bare or stretch-wrapped slabs see 5 to 15% breakage in transit. Specify A-frame plus foam edge protection at order time.
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