Know exactly what your classroom needs.

Enter your class size, grade level, and subject focus. Get a complete supply list with quantities and cost estimates you can print or share.

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Build your estimate

e.g. 24
Quick presets
These items will be excluded from cost estimates.

Example lists for common setups

These show what the estimator produces for typical classroom configurations. Use them as a sanity check or a starting point.

Elementary, general (20 students)

  • 40 composition notebooks (2 per student)
  • 60 pencils (3 per student, with spares)
  • 20 boxes of crayons (24-count)
  • 20 glue sticks
  • 10 bottles of white glue (class set)
  • 4 packs of construction paper
  • 20 pocket folders
  • Est. cost: $180–$240

Middle school, STEM focus (28 students)

  • 56 spiral notebooks (2 per student)
  • 84 pens (3 per student)
  • 28 scientific calculators
  • 28 protractors and compasses
  • 14 packs of graph paper
  • 56 pencils (2 per student)
  • Est. cost: $450–$600

High school, general (30 students)

  • 90 spiral notebooks (3 per student)
  • 90 pens (3 per student)
  • 60 pencils (2 per student)
  • 30 three-ring binders
  • 30 packs of loose-leaf paper
  • 30 highlighters
  • Est. cost: $350–$480

Tips and common mistakes

Replacement rates matter

Pencils, erasers, and glue sticks run out fast. The estimator adds a 30% buffer for elementary classes and 20% for older students. If your students are rough on supplies, bump these up manually.

Bulk vs. individual packs

Buying a 50-pack of pencils is almost always cheaper per unit than buying 50 singles. The unit prices in this estimator assume bulk classroom packs. If you buy retail singles, expect to pay 15–30% more.

What schools usually cover

Many schools provide scissors, rulers, and basic art supplies. Check your supply closet before ordering. Use the "Items your school provides" field to remove those from your cost estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate are the default quantities?
They are based on common classroom usage patterns. Elementary classes use more consumables like crayons and glue. Middle and high school classes use more notebooks and pens. Adjust based on what you know about your students.
Can I use this for homeschool planning?
Yes. Enter 1 for class size and pick the matching grade level. The per-student rates work as a starting point for a single learner.
Why do art supplies cost more in the estimate?
Art-heavy classrooms go through paint, brushes, and specialty paper faster. The art preset increases those quantities by 40% compared to a general classroom.
Should I buy everything at once?
Many teachers buy core items in bulk at the start of the year, then reorder consumables mid-year. The estimate includes a mid-year top-up list to help you plan both rounds.
What if my school provides some items?
List them in the "Items your school provides" field. Those rows will be grayed out and removed from the cost estimate.

Printable one-page supply grid

After generating your estimate, click "Print list" to get a clean one-page grid you can hand to your PTA, post on a bulletin board, or attach to a purchase order.