Sound Insulation Calculator — Acoustic Materials for Part E

This calculator estimates the acoustic insulation materials required for walls and floors to meet or exceed UK Building Regulations Part E. It accounts for the construction type, target performance level, and chosen insulation material.

How it calculates

Insulation batts:Area ÷ 0.72 m² per batt (1200×600mm standard), rounded up to whole batts and grouped into packs.

Resilient bars:Installed at 600mm centres across the full area. Total linear metres = Area ÷ 0.6m, then divided by 3m bar length.

Acoustic plasterboard:Standard sheets are 2400×1200mm (2.88 m²). Enhanced performance uses two staggered layers, doubling the sheet count.

Acoustic sealant: Applied around the full perimeter plus at board joints. Each 310ml tube covers approximately 6 linear metres.

Part E performance targets

• Walls between dwellings: Minimum 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr (airborne sound)
• Floors between dwellings: Minimum 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr (airborne) and maximum 62 dB L’nT,w (impact sound)
• Enhanced performance: Exceeds Part E by at least 5 dB — uses double-layer acoustic plasterboard and optionally soundbreaker bars

For best results, combine acoustic mineral wool insulation with resilient or soundbreaker bars and acoustic plasterboard. Seal all edges and penetrations with acoustic sealant to prevent flanking sound paths.