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Metal Filter Elements & Materials

Engineering Tool · Perforated Sheet

Perforated Sheet Hole Count Calculator

Estimate the number of full round holes on a rectangular sheet from its finished dimensions, blank edge margins and centre-to-centre pitch. Compare straight rows with a 60° staggered layout.

Margin definition: each blank margin is the clear distance from the finished sheet edge to the nearest hole edge. Use actual sheet dimensions and the same unit throughout.

Enter layout dimensions

Only complete holes that fit inside the defined margins are counted.

For staggered rows, alternate rows start half a pitch to the right.
Changing unit converts the entered dimensions.
Straight rows may use a different row pitch.
Blank margins: sheet edge to hole edge

Estimated layout

Whole holes and complete rows only; no partial holes.

Illustration of the selected hole layoutA schematic rectangular sheet with blank edge margins and full round holes.Sheet edgeBlank margin

Schematic only. Drawing scale, edge centering and manufacturing tolerances are not represented.

Total holes504full round openings
Rows18along sheet length
Holes per row28all rows
Vertical pitch10 mmcentre to centre

Counting rule

Columns = floor((W − left − right − D) / Cx) + 1; rows = floor((L − top − bottom − D) / Cy) + 1.

Floor means round down to a whole number. The first hole edge starts at the entered left and top margins. Remaining space may be larger on the right or bottom.

How the estimate works

1. Measure the finished blank

Enter the actual rectangular sheet width and length, including any non-perforated edges. The four margins are measured to the nearest hole perimeter, not its centre.

2. Match the row layout

Use straight rows with independent horizontal and vertical pitches, or a 60° round-hole stagger with vertical pitch equal to 0.866025 × horizontal pitch.

3. Review the drawing

This is an anchored layout estimate. A centred pattern, shifted stagger phase, weld strip, clamps or a different edge rule can change the actual hole count.

Frequently asked questions

How is the blank edge margin measured?

Measure from the finished sheet edge to the nearest edge of a complete hole. If your drawing specifies the distance to a hole centre, subtract half the hole diameter before entering the margin.

Why can the calculated count differ from a production drawing?

The estimate anchors the first hole at the left and top margins and rounds down to full holes. A centred layout, a shifted stagger phase, clamping zones, weld strips and manufacturing tolerances can change the final count.

How is the 60° staggered row pitch calculated?

For equal centre spacing Cx in a triangular pattern, the vertical distance between rows is Cx × √3 / 2, approximately 0.866025 × Cx. Every second row begins half a horizontal pitch to the right.

Are partial holes counted at sheet edges?

No. Only round holes that fit wholly inside the entered four margins are counted. Edge-trimmed holes require an approved layout drawing.

Can I use this calculator for slots or square holes?

No. The current count model covers full circular holes in straight or 60° staggered rows. For pattern open-area percentages across other shapes, use the Perforated Metal Open Area Calculator.

Does the total include an unperforated weld strip?

No. The four edge margins are included, but an internal weld strip is not. Divide the sheet into perforated regions or confirm the final count from the manufacturing drawing.

Need a production-ready perforation layout?

Send us the sheet drawing, hole diameter, pitch, margins, thickness and material for a manufacturing review.

Contact Our Engineers

Engineering note: This tool counts ideal full circular holes in a flat rectangular sheet. It does not generate a shop drawing or account for partial edge holes, tooling constraints, tolerances, forming, welds or irregular boundaries. Confirm the final layout with an approved drawing.

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