Fiberglass batt insulation is the most common insulation type in residential construction. Pre-cut to fit standard stud bays, it provides reliable thermal performance at an affordable price point.
Unit Price
$0.70
per sq ft
Labor Cost
$0.60
per sq ft
Durability
80
years lifespan
Sustainability
3/5
Average
Category: Insulation
Range: $0.40 – $1.20/sq ft
Waste Factor: 8%
Avg Project: $1,800
Quick answer: Fiberglass Batt Insulation cost in 2026
Fiberglass Batt Insulation costs about $0.70 per sq ft (typical range $0.40–$1.20) plus roughly $0.60 per sq ft for installation labor, or about $1.30 per sq ft installed. Order 8% extra for waste: 500 sq fts becomes 540 sq fts, about $378 in material and $678 installed. HammerIO planning estimates, a national baseline adjusted by regional factors on city and state pages.
Labor is priced by insulation workers: the BLS OEWS May 2025 median wage is $23.62/hr nationally, $29.68 in New York and $24.00 in Dallas. Last reviewed .
Fiberglass Batt Insulation Cost, R-Value and Quote Checks
Fiberglass batt insulation averages $0.70 per sq ft for material on this page, with a typical material range of $0.40 to $1.20 per sq ft before labor, air sealing, old-insulation removal, baffles, vapor-retarder details or access constraints. DOE explains that R-value measures resistance to heat flow, and ENERGY STAR recommends comparing insulation levels by climate zone and location in the home.
Use case
Common batt check
Bid must clarify
2x4 wall cavities
Often R-13 class batts
Facing, air sealing, outlet cuts, compression and vapor-retarder side
2x6 wall cavities
Often R-19 or higher-density batts
Full-cavity fit, thermal bridging, exterior sheathing and local energy-code target
Attic floors
Climate-zone R-value target
Baffles, air sealing, bath-fan routing, hatch cover and old insulation condition
Basement or crawl-space areas
Moisture-sensitive assembly
Water intrusion, pest damage, vapor control, fire/ignition barrier and access
Estimate Fiberglass Batt Insulation Cost Before You Order or Compare Bids
Step 1
Price Fiberglass Batt Insulation by the right unit
Start with the measured quantity in sq fts, then compare the current unit range of $0.40 to $1.20 per sq ft.
Step 2
Add waste, labor, and install accessories
Apply the default 8% waste factor, then include labor, fasteners, trim, adhesives, delivery, rental tools, and other project-specific accessories.
Step 3
Use the result to check written bids
Compare the calculator result against supplier units and contractor line items, then verify code, permit, and site-condition assumptions before ordering.
Contractor Takeoff Notes
How to Budget Fiberglass Batt Insulation Without Missing Hidden Costs
Fiberglass batt insulation is best estimated by cavity type and target R-value, not just by shelf price per square foot. A useful takeoff separates 2x4 walls, 2x6 walls, attic floors, basement walls, crawl-space floors, facing choice, air sealing, baffles, vapor-retarder placement, and installer labor.
$140
sample total for 108 sq fts
Price drivers
+R-value target and framing depth drive product choice: common wall batts include R-13 for many 2x4 cavities and R-19 or high-density alternatives for deeper cavities.
+Labor rises when crews must remove old insulation, air seal penetrations, cut around wiring/plumbing, install baffles, work in tight attics, or protect occupied rooms from dust.
+Faced vs unfaced batts, kraft vapor retarder placement, fire blocking, attic ventilation, and local energy-code requirements can matter as much as the batt price.
Ordering checks
+Measure net cavity area, subtract large openings, then add waste for cuts around studs, headers, blocking, wiring, pipes, outlets and odd framing bays.
+Compare products by R-value and thickness, not only by bag or roll price, because ENERGY STAR and DOE guidance tie insulation value to climate zone and location in the home.
+Confirm whether the assembly needs air sealing, soffit baffles, vapor retarder orientation, ignition/fire blocking, pest or moisture repair, and lead-safe handling before install.
Quote risks
!Compressed, gapped, wet or poorly fitted batts can underperform even when the package R-value looks correct.
!Adding insulation before fixing roof leaks, crawl-space moisture, bathroom fan routing, or attic ventilation can trap moisture and create a worse assembly.
Fiberglass batt insulation is the most common insulation type in residential construction. Pre-cut to fit standard stud bays, it provides reliable thermal performance at an affordable price point. In 2026, fiberglass batt insulation prices average $0.70 per sq ft, with a typical range of $0.40 to $1.20 depending on your region, supplier relationships, and order quantity.
When budgeting for a project using fiberglass batt insulation, factor in approximately 8% additional material for waste, plus labor costs averaging $0.60 per sq ft for professional installation. A typical project using this material runs approximately $1,800 including both materials and labor.
With an expected lifespan of 80 years, fiberglass batt insulation represents a cost of approximately $0.01 per sq ft per year of service life. This exceptional longevity makes it one of the most cost-effective materials when measured over its full lifespan.
For searchers comparing bids, the key number is not only the shelf price. The installed cost for fiberglass batt insulation depends on accessory materials, waste, job access, minimum order size, delivery, regional labor rates, and whether the project needs permit or code-driven upgrades. Fiberglass batt ranges were source-reviewed June 11, 2026 against DOE insulation guidance, ENERGY STAR recommended R-value guidance, EPA indoor-air/VOC context, and 2026 HammerIO insulation material data.
Computed from this page's planning figures: material = quantity × (1 + 8% waste) × unit price; labor = quantity × $0.60 per sq ft. Delivery, fasteners, adhesives, rental tools and permits are extra.
Quantity needed
Order (+8% waste)
Material (low – typical – high)
Labor allowance
Installed (typical)
100 sq fts
108 sq fts
$43 – $76 – $130
$60
$136
500 sq fts
540 sq fts
$216 – $378 – $648
$300
$678
1,000 sq fts
1,080 sq fts
$432 – $756 – $1,296
$600
$1,356
HammerIO planning estimates (national baseline adjusted by regional factors). Verify permit requirements with your local building department.
Who Installs Fiberglass Batt Insulation: Insulation workers Wages in the 10 Largest Metros
The $0.60 per sq ft labor allowance is a national figure. To localize it, compare your metro's median wage for insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall with the U.S. median below and scale the allowance by the same ratio.
Insulation workers: median hourly wage, 10 largest U.S. metros vs. national (BLS OEWS May 2025)
Metro area
Median wage
vs. U.S. median
United States
$23.62/hr
baseline
New York, NY-NJ
$29.68/hr
+26%
Los Angeles, CA
$23.30/hr
-1%
Chicago, IL-IN
$28.29/hr
+20%
Dallas, TX
$24.00/hr
+2%
Houston, TX
$23.14/hr
-2%
Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
$22.07/hr
-7%
Miami, FL
$23.30/hr
-1%
Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD
$24.19/hr
+2%
Atlanta, GA
$26.31/hr
+11%
Phoenix, AZ
$20.35/hr
-14%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), median hourly wages. These are employee wages, not contractor billing rates, a contractor's quoted hourly rate adds overhead, insurance, equipment and profit on top of the wage. “, ” means BLS did not publish a metro estimate for that occupation. Occupation: Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (SOC 47-2131).
New York, NY-NJ insulation workers earn a median $29.68/hr (+26% vs. the $23.62 U.S. median) while Phoenix, AZ is $20.35/hr (-14%). For a 500-sq ft job that moves the $300 national labor allowance to roughly $258 in Phoenix, AZ and $377 in New York, NY-NJ, before contractor overhead and profit. See the state construction cost pages for statewide figures.
Methodology & Data Sources: Fiberglass Batt Insulation Cost Data
How we calculate Fiberglass Batt Insulation costs: Our pricing model combines the HammerIO material database (planning estimates, a national baseline adjusted by regional factors on city and state pages), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2025 trade wages for the labor allowance, EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing guidance for sustainability ratings, DOE Building Technologies Office benchmarks for energy-related materials, and contractor takeoff assumptions. Unit prices are reviewed quarterly and cross-checked against common supplier ranges where available.
Unit price ($0.70/sq ft): National midpoint estimate for mid-market grade materials sourced through standard supply channels.
Average project cost ($1,800): Derived from material quantity, labor allowance, waste, and typical residential/light commercial installation assumptions.
Waste factor (8%): Per NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) construction waste estimation guidelines, accounting for cuts, breakage, and field adjustments.
Durability (80 years): HammerIO planning estimate based on typical manufacturer warranty periods and expected service life for the material class under normal residential use.
Sustainability rating (3/5): Composite score from EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing criteria, including embodied carbon, recyclability, and VOC emissions per LEED v4.1 thresholds.
Disclaimer: Construction material prices vary significantly by region, supplier, project volume, and market conditions. The figures shown represent national averages and should be used for budgeting and comparison purposes only. Always obtain local contractor quotes before committing to a project budget.
Reviewed by Rowan Ashby · Last updated September 17, 2026 · Pricing sourced from the HammerIO 2026 material database (planning estimates), BLS OEWS May 2025 trade wages, public agency guidance, and contractor takeoff assumptions
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How much does fiberglass batt insulation cost in 2026?
Fiberglass Batt Insulation costs an average of $0.70 per sq ft in 2026. Prices range from $0.40 to $1.20 per sq ft depending on your location, supplier, and quantity purchased. A typical project using fiberglass batt insulation costs approximately $1,800.
How long does fiberglass batt insulation last?
Fiberglass Batt Insulation has an expected lifespan of approximately 80 years when properly installed and maintained. Actual durability depends on climate exposure, installation quality, and maintenance practices. This is considered a very long-lasting material that often outlasts the building itself.
What is fiberglass batt insulation used for?
Fiberglass Batt Insulation is commonly used for Wall cavities, Attic floors, Basement walls, Crawl spaces. It falls in the Insulation category of construction materials. Fiberglass batt insulation is the most common insulation type in residential construction. Pre-cut to fit standard stud bays, it provides reliable thermal performance at an affordable price point.
How much waste should I plan for with fiberglass batt insulation?
Plan for approximately 8% waste when ordering fiberglass batt insulation. For a project requiring 100 sq fts of material, you should order 108 sq fts to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting. Waste factors vary by project complexity and installer experience.
What are alternatives to fiberglass batt insulation?
Common alternatives to Fiberglass Batt Insulation include Blown-In Cellulose Insulation, Closed-Cell Spray Foam, Mineral Wool (Rockwool) Insulation. Each alternative offers different trade-offs in terms of cost, durability, and performance. Blown-In Cellulose Insulation costs $1.20 per sq ft and lasts approximately 50 years.
Is fiberglass batt insulation sustainable?
Fiberglass Batt Insulation has a sustainability rating of 3 out of 5 (Average). This material has an average environmental impact. Consider locally sourced options when available to reduce transportation-related emissions.
How much does 500 sq fts of fiberglass batt insulation cost installed?
Ordering 500 sq fts with the 8% waste factor means buying 540 sq fts: about $378 in material at the $0.70 planning price (range $216–$648), plus roughly $300 in installation labor at the $0.60 per sq ft allowance, about $678 total before delivery, fasteners, adhesives and permits. These are HammerIO planning estimates (national baseline); regional factors and supplier quotes move the final number.
Who installs fiberglass batt insulation and what do they earn per hour in 2026?
Fiberglass Batt Insulation is typically installed by insulation workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025) reports a national median wage of $23.62 per hour for Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall, ranging from $20.35 in Phoenix, AZ to $29.68 in New York, NY-NJ among the ten largest metros. Contractor billing rates run higher than the wage because they include overhead, insurance, equipment and profit, so use the metro-to-national ratio, not the wage itself, to adjust the labor allowance on this page.