Calculated Industries 8525 User Guide User Manual
User’s guide, Roject

USER’S GUIDE
P
ROJECT
C
ALC
®
P
LUS
The
ProjectCalc Plus was designed specifically for Do-it-
Yourselfers. It helps you quickly figure project material
quantities, linear distances, areas/volumes and material costs
like a pro. Unlike other calculators, it works and converts
directly in Feet-Inches-Fractions, Yards, Metric, Square and
Cubic, so you don’t have to figure tedious math.
Use it to estimate quantities & costs for:
• Board Feet/Lumber
• Bricks/Blocks
• Carpet
• Concrete
• Deck
• Drywall
• Fence
• Gravel
• Mulch
• Paint
• Roofing Bundles
• Studs
• Tile
• Wallpaper
The
ProjectCalc Plus is an indispensable tool for all your
home
Do-It-Yourself projects!
KEY DEFINITIONS
[On/C] — On/Clear Key
Turns power on. Pressing once clears the display.
[Conv] [On/C] — Off
Turns all power off, clearing all non-permanent registers.
[Rcl] — Recall Value
Recalls stored values.
[+] [–] [x] [÷] [=]
Arithmetic operation keys.
[0] — [9] and [ • ]
Digits used for keying in numbers.
[ / ] — Fraction Bar
Convert Key Functions
[Conv] — Convert Key
Used with the dimensional unit keys to convert between
dimensions, the Project Keys to compute material quanti-
ties, or with other keys to access special functions.
[Conv] [ x ] — Clear All
Clears all stored values and sets calculator back to defaults.
[Conv] [ – ] — Sign (
+ / –)
Sets value on display to plus or minus. (Repetitive presses
of [Conv] [ – ] will change sign from plus or minus.)
[Conv] [ ÷ ] — Square Root
Finds square root of value in display.
[Conv] [ + ] — x
2
Finds square of value in display.
[Conv] [ Stor ] — Pi (
π
)
Constant 3.141593
[Conv] [ / ] (
%) — Percent
Memory
[Stor] [Met] (
M+)
— Adds or stores a value in the semi-
permanent memory (e.g., 150 [Stor] [Met]). Semi-perma-
nent means the value is cleared when the calculator is
turned off.
[Conv] [–] [Stor] [Met] (
M-)
— Subtracts a value from
the semi-permanent memory (e.g., 150 [Conv] [–] [Stor]
[Met] subtracts 150 from the memory).
[Rcl] [Met] (
M-R/C)
— Recalls memory value (e.g., if
150 has been stored in Memory, pressing [Rcl] [Met] will
display 150).
[Rcl] [Rcl] (
MC)
— Displays and clears memory value.
[Conv] [On/C] (
Off)
— Clears memory value.
Dimensional Unit Keys
[Yds] — Yards Key
Enters or converts to yards.
[Feet] — Feet Key
Enters or converts to feet as whole or decimal numbers.
Also used with the [Inch] and [/] keys for entering Feet-
Inch-Fraction values (e.g., 6 [Feet] 9 [Inch] 1 [/] 2).
Repeated presses during conversions toggle between Feet-
Inch-Fractions and Decimal Feet.
[Inch] — Inch Key
Enters or converts to inches. Entry can be whole or decimal
number. Also used with the [/] key for entering fractional
inch values (e.g., 9 [Inch] 1 [/] 2). Repeated presses during
conversions toggle between Fractional and Decimal Inches.
[ / ] — Fraction Bar Key
Used to enter fractions. Fractions can be entered as proper
(1/2, 1/8, 1/16) or improper (3/2, 9/8).
[Met] — Meter Key
Enters or converts to meters.
Entering Square or Cubic
To label a dimension as “square” or “cubic,” enter the
value, then press the desired dimension key twice for
square and three times for cubic. For example, to enter
25 cubic yards, press 25 [Yds] [Yds] [Yds].
Fraction Resolution
Your calculator is set to display fractional values to the
nearest 16th of an inch (default setting). The 1/16 resolution
can be displayed by pressing [Rcl] [/]. Repeated presses of
[/] will then revolve through the available settings: 1/16, 1/32,
1/64, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8. The setting that you last see on the
display will be permanently set when you exit this mode
(simply press any other key to exit). To change the setting,
repeat the key sequence above and select your desired
fractional resolution. To recall your setting at any time,
press [Rcl] [/].
Your calculator will also toggle between the highest fractional
resolution available and the set resolution with repeated
presses of the Fraction Bar [/] when a fraction is displayed.
See the example below:
Keystroke
Display
3 [Inch]
3. INCH
[÷] 64 [=]
1/16 INCH
[ / ]
3/64 INCH
[ / ]
1/16 INCH
Project Keys
The following keys help you quickly estimate material
quantities for common DIY projects. In addition, the [Stor]
key allows you to set material values to other than the
industry standards currently stored in the calculator (i.e.,
you may replace the default values).
Note: To view Examples on how to customize Project Key
settings using the [Stor] key, see “Project Examples–
Using Custom Settings.”
[Paint] — Paint
Computes volume of paint, based on an entered area and a
stored Paint Coverage per Gallon (see below). Finds quan-
tity in gallons, quarts or pints upon repeated presses.
[Stor] [Paint] — Stores Paint Coverage
Stores Paint Coverage per Gallon. To recall this setting,
press [Rcl] [Paint].
[Wall Paper] — Wallpaper
Computes number of rolls of wallpaper, based on an
entered area and a stored Wallpaper Roll Coverage Area
(see below).
[Stor] [Wall Paper] — Stores Wallpaper Roll
Coverage Area
Stores Coverage Area (in square feet) per Wallpaper Roll.
To recall this setting, press [Rcl] [Wall Paper].
[Tile] — Tile
Finds the number of tiles, based on an entered area and a
user-stored Grout Width (see below). Repeated presses will
scroll between numbers of tiles for various “standard” tile
sizes (18”, 16”, 13”, 12”, 10”, 8”, 6”, 4”, 2”, 1” and 24”).
Note: Tile sizes are shown in inches, not square inches (as
used in custom tile size calculations). In other words, a 6”
tile is really 6” x 6,” or a 36 square-inch tile, but it is
labeled as a 6” size.
[Stor] [Tile] — Stores Grout Width
Enters Grout Width in inches; used in calculating the number
of tiles (see above). To recall this setting, press [Rcl] [Tile].
[Deck] — Deck
Finds the number of boards for a deck, based on an
entered area and a stored Board Width or Board On-Center
(see below). Repeated presses will scroll between numbers
of boards for various “standard” board lengths (12’, 10’, 8’,
20’, 18’, 16’ and 14’).
[Stor] [Deck] — Stores Board Width/O.C.
Stores Board Width or Board On-Center for deck or fence
calculations. To recall this setting, press [Rcl] [Deck]. Also
used to store the board on-center for Fence Spacing.
[Fence] — Fence
Multi-function key that finds the number of fence boards,
number of posts and number of rails based on an entered
distance, Board Width/O.C. and post spacing.
[Stor] [Fence] — Stores Post Spacing
Stores Post Spacing On-Center for fence in feet-inches. To
recall this setting, press [Rcl] [Fence].
[Conv] [7] — Board Feet
Computes number of board feet based on entered volume.
[Conv] [8] — Studs
Computes number of studs, based on an entered linear
distance and a stored On-Center Spacing (see below).
Note: Automatically adds one stud to the computed answer
to account for one on the end.
[Stor] [8] — Stores On-Center for Studs
Stores On-Center Spacing for studs in inches. To recall this
setting, press [Rcl] [8].
[Conv] [9] — Roof Bundles
Computes number of bundles of roof shingles, based on
an entered roof area and a stored Area per Roof Bundle
(see below).
[Stor] [9] — Stores Area per Roof Bundle
Stores the Coverage Area per Roof Bundle. To recall this
setting, press [Rcl] [9].
[Conv] [4] — 4x8 Sheet
Computes number of 4’ x 8’ sheets (for drywall, paneling),
based on entered linear distance or area.
[Conv] [5] — Carpet
Computes carpet length required (of either 12’, 13’ or 15’-
wide carpet rolls), based on entered area. Repeated presses
of [5] will scroll between values for 12’, 13’, and 15’ rolls.
[Conv] [6] — Custom Tile
Computes number of tiles based on an entered area and a
stored Custom Tile Size (see below). This is used separately
from the regular Tile Key ([Tile]).
Note: Calculation does not account for grout width for custom
tiles, so you will need to adjust for this.
[Stor] [6] — Stores Custom Tile Size
Stores Custom Tile Size in square inches. To recall this setting,
press [Rcl] [6].
[Conv] [1] — Concrete
Computes the number of bags of concrete required, based
on an entered volume (e.g., cubic feet or cubic yards) and
a stored Volume per Bag (see below).
[Stor] [1] — Stores Concrete Volume per Bag
Stores the Volume per Bag of concrete. To recall this setting,
press [Rcl] [1].
[Conv] [2] — Brick
Computes the number of standard 8-inch-size U.S. bricks
(with 3/8” mortar) based on entered linear distance (or
area, volume). Finds values for both “face” (21-square
inch) and “paver” (32-square inch) brick applications. By
pressing [2] again in succession, it will toggle back and
forth between “face”, “paver” and entered value.
[Conv] [3] — Block
Computes the number of standard 128-sq.inch blocks (with
1/2” mortar), based on an entered linear distance or area
and a stored Block Area (see below).
[Stor] [3] – Stores Block Area
Stores Block Area in square inches. To recall this setting,
press [Rcl] [3].
Note: When calculating the number of blocks for an
entered length, calculator uses a 16-inch block length, as
the majority of blocks are 16” long.
[Conv] [0] — Gravel
Computes tons of gravel required, based on an entered volume
and a stored Weight per Volume (see below).
[Stor] [0] — Stores Gravel Weight per Volume
Stores the number of tons per one cubic yard of gravel. To
recall this setting, press [Rcl] [0].
[Conv] [ • ] — Cost
“Cost” function that allows you to compute total material
cost, given a unit dimension and an entered
Per Unit Cost.
[Conv] [=] — Mulch
Computes the number of bags of mulch you’ll need,
based on an entered volume and a stored Volume per Bag
(see below).
EXAMPLES — CONVERSIONS, BASIC
DIMENSIONAL MATH
Linear Conversions
Convert 16 feet to other dimensions.
Keystroke
Display
[On/C] 0.
16 [Feet]
16 FEET
[Conv] [Yds]
5.333333 YD
[Conv] [Feet]
16 FEET 0 INCH
[Conv] [Inch]
192 INCH
[Conv] [Met]
4.8768 M
Feet-Inch-Fraction and Decimal Feet/Inch
Conversions
Convert 15 feet 9-1/16 inches to decimal feet, then
decimal inches.
Keystroke
Display
[On/C] 0.
15 [Feet] 9 [Inch] 1 [/] 16
15 FEET 9-1/16 INCH
[Conv] [Feet]
15.75521 FEET
[Conv] [Inch]
189.0625 INCH
Do the opposite, converting decimal feet to feet-inch-
fractions and inch-fractions. Convert 14.793 feet.
Keystroke
Display
[On/C] 0.
14.793 [Feet]*
14.793 FEET
[Conv] [Feet]
14 FEET 9-1/2 INCH
[Conv] [Inch]
177-1/2 INCH
*Note: Do the same if you need to convert decimal inches
(e.g., enter 14.793 [Inch] [Conv] [Inch] = 14-13/16”).
Square & Cubic Conversions
Convert 25 square feet to other square dimensions.
Keystroke
Display
[On/C] 0.
25 [Feet] [Feet]*
25. SQ FEET
[Conv] [Yds]
2.777778 SQ YD
[Conv] [Met]
2.322576 SQ M
Convert 25 cubic feet to cubic yards.
Keystroke
Display
[On/C] 0.
25 [Feet] [Feet] [Feet]*
25. CU FEET
[Conv] [Yds]
0.925926 CU YD
Basic Dimensional Math
Keystroke
Display
[On/C]
0.
Adding Dimensions:
10 [Inch] [+] 2 [Feet] 5 [Inch] [=]
3 FEET 3 INCH
Subtracting Dimensions:
5 [Feet] [-] 1 [Inch] 3 [/] 4 [=]
4 FEET 10-1/4 INCH
Dividing Dimensions:
10 [Feet] [÷] 1 [Inch] 1 [/] 4 [=]
96.
Multiplying Dimensions/Waste Factor Allowance:
150 [Feet] [Feet] [+] 10 [Conv] [/] (%)
165. SQ FEET
Finding Area/Square Feet:
2 [Feet] [x] 1 [Feet] 2 [Inch] [=]
2.333333 SQ FEET
Finding Volume/Cubic Feet:
5 [Feet] [x] 1.5 [Feet] [x] 2 [Inch] [=]
1.25 CU FEET
“Square-up”/Diagonal
“Square up” (find the diagonal to ensure a right angle) a
concrete pad that has a length of 10 feet and a width of
20 feet.
Keystroke
Display
[On/C]
0.
10 [Feet] [Conv] [+] (
x
2
) [+]
100. SQ FEET
20 [Feet] [Conv] [+] (
x
2
)
400. SQ FEET
[=]
500. SQ FEET
[Conv] [÷] (
Sq Root)
22 FEET 4-5/16 INCH
[Stor] [=] — Stores Volume per Bag of Mulch
Stores the Volume per Bag of mulch. To recall this setting,
press [Rcl] [=].
Note on Project Keys: For most problems, the Project Keys
will also find the Coverage Area given an entered Quantity.
For example, you can find the Coverage Area of Paint given
“X” Number of Cans.
DEFAULT VALUES FOR MATERIALS
The
ProjectCalc Plus uses the below standard (default)
settings or material sizes. However, you can change most
of these settings at any time.
Note: These settings are PERMANENTLY STORED (will not
clear upon turning your calculator off until you change them
or reset the calculator). So be sure to check the stored val-
ues using the [Rcl] key prior to completing new problems,
and set new values if needed using the [Stor] key.
Default Value
128 square inches (includes 1/2”
mortar)
21-square inch (“Face”);
32-square inch (“Paver”)
1 board ft. = 144 cubic inches
12 feet, 13 feet, 15 feet carpet rolls
1 bag covers 0.67 cubic feet
5-11/16 inch board on-center
32 square feet
Post spacing = 8 feet
Board on-center = 5-11/16 inches
1.5 tons per cubic yard
1 bag covers 2 cubic feet
1 gallon covers 350 square feet
1 bundle covers 33.33 square feet
16-inches on-center
Grout width = 0
24 square-inch size
1 roll covers 56 square feet
(European double roll)
Key
Block
*Brick
*Board Feet
*Carpet
Concrete
Deck
*4’x 8’ Sheet
Fence
Gravel
Mulch
Paint
Roof Bundles
Studs
Tile
Tile (Custom Size)
Wallpaper
LCD Display Annunciators
bL
F br (face brick)
P br (paver brick)
BD FEET
12-15 Ft ROLL
BAG, CU FEET/BAG
8-24 Ft, BDS (boards), BD W
(board on-center)
Sh (sheet)
BDS (boards), POST, RL (rail), OC
(on-center), BD W (board width)
TN, TN/CU YD
BAG, CU FEET/BAG
GL, QT, Pt, SQ FEET/GL
rF bn
ST, OC (on-center)
TILE, GROUT
TILE
ROLL, SQ FEET/ROLL
Key
Block
Brick
Board Feet
Carpet
Concrete
Deck
4'x 8' Sheet (Drywall)
Fence
Gravel
Mulch
Paint
Roof Bundles
Studs
Tile
Tile (Custom Size)
Wallpaper
Note: Keys with * cannot be customized.
DISPLAY ANNUNCIATORS
The following lists “annunciators,” or letters that appear on
your calculator display when pressing respective keys.
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