Dice bag
4 in flat width = 8 in around × 5 in body (40 in²), plus a 1.27 in radius base (5.1 in²).
45 in² · ~94 large scales
Plan a scale maille build.
Choose one of 10 illustrative project starting points or enter one measured custom shape. The calculator returns scale count, the manufacturer-matched jump ring, a ring allowance, whole scale packs and estimated metal weight.
- Fixed projects
- 10
- Scale sizes
- 3
- Fixed comparisons
- 30
Start with the project.
Every preset names its dimensions. Custom mode prints the formula it uses, so the estimate never hides behind a project label.
Assumption: 4 in flat width = 8 in around × 5 in body (40 in²), plus a 1.27 in radius base (5.1 in²).
Compare all three sizes.
The same covered area can require hundreds more pieces when the scale gets smaller. Compare count, matched ring, packs and metal weight before choosing a finish.
| Scale | Scales | Rings | Ring spec | 100-count packs | Metal weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small 7/8 × 9/16 in | 313 | 814 | 18 SWG 3/16 in ID | 4 | 0.45 lb |
| Medium 1.1 × 0.7 in | 203 | 528 | 18 SWG 1/4 in ID | 3 | 0.45 lb |
| Large 1.41 × 7/8 in | 94 | 245 | 16 SWG 5/16 in ID | 1 | 0.35 lb |
Use a measured starting point.
These are planning shapes, not patterns or universal garment sizes. Measure the form, lining or wearer before ordering a large build.
Giant pouch
6 in flat width = 12 in around × 8 in body (96 in²), plus a 1.91 in radius base (11.5 in²).
108 in² · ~225 large scales
One bracer
Open tapered sleeve: mean 9 in circumference (7 in wrist to 11 in forearm) × 9 in long.
81 in² · ~169 large scales
Pair of bracers
Two 81 in² bracers, each based on a mean 9 in circumference × 9 in length.
162 in² · ~337 large scales
One pauldron
9 in across the outer deltoid × 8 in down the arm (72 in²), plus 15% for cap flare.
83 in² · ~173 large scales
Pair of pauldrons
Two 83 in² pauldrons, each using the named 9 × 8 in starting panel plus 15% cap flare.
166 in² · ~346 large scales
Scale halter
13 × 13 in front panel (169 in²), plus two 2 × 14 in straps (56 in²).
225 in² · ~468 large scales
Torso wrap
A measured 32 in wrap × 11 in height. This is a reference rectangle, not a garment pattern.
352 in² · ~733 large scales
12 × 12 panel
12 in width × 12 in height.
144 in² · ~300 large scales
12 × 18 panel
12 in width × 18 in height.
216 in² · ~450 large scales
Custom shape
Your measured shape and dimensions.
Enter a measured shape
Know the estimate.
Coverage comes from published scale specifications. Weight uses published component measurements. Chainmail Jack labels the planning allowance it adds.
Coverage first.
Manufacturer coverage for the standard overlapping weave is Large: approximately 300 scales per square foot; Medium: approximately 600–700 scales per square foot; Small: approximately 1,000 scales per square foot. Project area is converted to square inches, then the count rounds up to a whole scale.
scales = round up(project area × scales per square inch)
Then the matched ring.
Large scales use 16 SWG 5/16 inch ID rings. Medium scales use 18 SWG 1/4 inch ID. Small scales use 18 SWG 3/16 inch ID. Those are the manufacturer’s recommendations for the standard overlapping weave.
rings = round up(scales × 2 × (1 + planning allowance))
Whole packs, not fractions.
The scale-pack estimate uses 100-count packs and rounds up. Ring packaging varies by listing; check the selected ring product for rings per pack before choosing a quantity.
scale packs = round up(scales ÷ 100)
Metal weight only.
The weight estimate includes scales and their connecting rings. It does not include lining, cord, clasps, buckles or other findings chosen for a particular pattern.
metal weight = scale weight + ring weight
Component specifications checked 2026-09-04. Coverage and ring quantities are approximate because weave tension, edges and pattern construction vary.
Questions from the bench.
Direct answers to the decisions that change the shopping list.
How many scales cover one square foot?
For the standard overlapping weave, the manufacturer publishes these coverage ranges. Large: approximately 300 scales per square foot; Medium: approximately 600–700 scales per square foot; Small: approximately 1,000 scales per square foot. The planner uses the numeric planning value stored with each size.
What ring fits each scale size?
For the manufacturer’s standard overlapping weave, large scales use 16 SWG 5/16 inch ID rings, medium scales use 18 SWG 1/4 inch ID rings, and small scales use 18 SWG 3/16 inch ID rings.
Why does the planner add spare rings?
The scale manufacturer says approximately two rings per scale, depending on the design. Chainmail Jack adds a labeled 10% planning buffer for a flat panel or 30% for a piece with finished edges, seams or straps. Those percentages are planning allowances, not manufacturer guarantees.
How is metal weight estimated?
The estimate adds the published per-scale and per-ring component weights. It excludes lining, cord, clasps, buckles and other project-specific findings.
Can I calculate a custom shape?
Yes. Choose a flat rectangle, two matching panels, a round-bottom pouch or a tapered sleeve. The page prints the formula and constrains each measurement to 1 through 100 inches.
Why is there no price on this page?
This calculator cannot read live WooCommerce prices. The materials list opens the scale and ring products with the planned size selected. Choose a colour and ring-pack quantity in the shop, where you can check current prices and availability.
Take the number somewhere useful.
The calculator gives quantities. These pages cover material choice, ring standards, project context and the exact shelf.