How much acoustic treatment does a room need?

A mixing room typically needs 30-40% of wall and ceiling surfaces treated with absorption, plus bass traps in corners. Recording rooms need slightly less absorption (25-35%) to retain some liveliness. Practice rooms focus on reducing sound levels.

How much do acoustic panels cost?

Commercial acoustic panels cost £25-60 each for standard 60x120cm panels. Premium brands and custom sizes cost more. DIY panels using rockwool insulation and fabric can be made for £10-20 each, saving 50-70% over commercial products.

Do I need bass traps?

Yes, for mixing and recording rooms. Low frequencies build up in room corners causing uneven bass response. Thick bass traps (minimum 10cm, ideally 15-20cm deep) in corners are the most effective treatment for improving low-frequency accuracy.

What are diffusers for?

Diffusers scatter sound reflections rather than absorbing them. They maintain the energy in the room while reducing flutter echoes and comb filtering. Professional studios use diffusers on the rear wall behind the listening position.

Room Treatment Cost Calculator — Panels, Traps & Budget

Calculate the number of absorption panels, bass traps and diffusers needed for your room, with commercial and DIY cost estimates.

Room Length

Length measurement

Room Width

Width measurement

Room Height

Height measurement

Room Purpose

Enter the room purpose

Treatment Level

Enter the treatment level

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates treatment quantities based on room surface area, purpose and treatment level, then calculates costs for commercial and DIY approaches.

The formula

Panels = (Total area x Coverage %) / Panel area

Bass traps = Corner count based on room purpose

DIY cost = Commercial cost x (1 - DIY discount)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Always verify results for critical applications.