Crown Molding Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$260 – $572
$5.00 – $11.00 per linear foot
Material Cost
$52 – $260
Labor Cost
$208 – $312
Linear Feet
52 LF
Material Type
Pine
Tip: Every inside and outside corner requires a precise miter cut. Budget extra for rooms with more than 4 corners (bay windows, alcoves). A professional finish depends on tight miter joints, especially with larger profiles.
Old Molding Removal: If replacing existing crown molding, budget $1–$2/LF for removal and disposal. Drywall and paint touch-up may be needed after removal ($2–$4/LF additional).
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Crown Molding Cost Breakdown
| Material | Material/LF | Labor/LF | Total/LF |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF (Primed) | $1 – $3 | $4 – $5 | $5 – $8 |
| Pine | $1 – $5 | $4 – $6 | $5 – $11 |
| Polyurethane | $2 – $6 | $4 – $5 | $6 – $11 |
| Plaster | $6 – $15 | $10 – $15 | $16 – $30 |
* 3.5″ profile size. Larger sizes add 15% (4.5″), 35% (5.25″), or 75% (6″+) to material cost.
Average Project Costs (Pine, 3.5″)
| Room | Perimeter | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (12×12) | 48 LF | $240 – $528 |
| Dining Room (14×12) | 52 LF | $260 – $572 |
| Living Room (18×14) | 64 LF | $320 – $704 |
| Master Suite (18×18) | 72 LF | $360 – $792 |
| Whole Floor | 200 LF | $1,000 – $2,200 |
* Does not include painting, old molding removal, or drywall repair.
How We Calculate
Our crown molding calculator estimates material and labor costs based on room dimensions, material type, and molding profile size. Perimeter is calculated as 2 × (length + width).
How the math works: Perimeter = 2 × (L + W). Material cost = perimeter × material cost/LF × size multiplier. Labor cost = perimeter × labor cost/LF. Total = material + labor.
Material Comparison
MDF (Primed) ($1–$3/LF material) is the budget choice — pre-primed, smooth finish, paint-ready. Best for rooms that will be painted white. Pine ($1–$5/LF) is the most versatile, accepting both paint and stain. Polyurethane ($2–$6/LF) is lightweight, moisture-resistant, and comes in ornate profiles. Plaster ($6–$15/LF) is the premium choice for period-accurate, highly detailed profiles.
Size Factor
Crown molding size affects material cost but not labor (installation time is similar). The size multiplier applies to material cost: 3.5″ (1.0×), 4.5″ (1.15×), 5.25″ (1.35×), 6″+ (1.75×). Larger profiles use more material and command a premium for wider stock.
Corner Considerations
Each corner requires specialized cutting: inside corners use coped joints, outside corners use mitered joints. More corners = more labor time and waste. Standard rooms have 4 corners; rooms with bay windows, alcoves, or bump-outs may have 8+ corners.
Additional Costs
Our estimates cover material and standard installation. Additional costs may include: old molding removal ($1–$2/LF), drywall patching after removal ($2–$4/LF), painting ($1–$3/LF), staining ($2–$4/LF), and corner blocks for simplified corners ($5–$15 each).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, and verified trim carpenter estimates across multiple US regions (February 2026). Costs vary by region and contractor availability.
Last updated: 2026-02-04
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does crown molding cost to install? +
Crown molding costs $5–$30 per linear foot installed, depending on material and profile size. MDF costs $5–$8/LF, Pine $5–$11/LF, Polyurethane $6–$11/LF, and Plaster $16–$30/LF. A standard living room (64 LF) costs $320–$704 in pine with a 3.5″ profile.
What is the best crown molding material? +
Pine is the most popular choice — it's affordable ($5–$11/LF), takes paint and stain well, and is widely available. MDF is the budget option ($5–$8/LF) that looks identical to wood when painted. Polyurethane ($6–$11/LF) resists moisture for bathrooms. Plaster ($16–$30/LF) is for high-end, ornate profiles.
Can I install crown molding myself? +
DIY crown molding is challenging even for experienced DIYers. The main difficulty is cutting accurate compound miter angles for corners. A power miter saw with a crown molding jig is essential. Start with MDF or polyurethane (easier to cut) in a small room. Budget $100–$200 for tools and expect your first room to take a full day.
How do I measure a room for crown molding? +
Measure the total perimeter of the room: 2 × (room length + room width). Subtract door openings but include window walls. For rooms with alcoves or bump-outs, measure each wall segment separately and add together. Order 10–15% extra for waste from corner cuts and mistakes.
How do you cut crown molding corners? +
Inside corners use coped joints (cut one piece square, cope the profile of the second to fit against it). Outside corners use mitered joints at 45° angles. A compound miter saw set to the correct angle for your molding spring angle is essential. Most crown molding sits at a 38° or 45° spring angle.
What size crown molding for 8-foot ceilings? +
For standard 8-foot ceilings, use 3.5″ to 4.5″ crown molding for proper visual proportion. Wider profiles (5.25″+) can overwhelm low ceilings and make rooms feel smaller. Reserve 6"+ profiles for rooms with 9-foot or higher ceilings, vaulted ceilings, or formal spaces.
How much does it cost to remove old crown molding? +
Removing old crown molding costs $1–$2 per linear foot. The removal process often damages the ceiling/wall junction, so budget $2–$4/LF additional for drywall patching and paint touch-up. A 64 LF room costs $64–$128 for removal plus $128–$256 for patching.
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