Radiant Floor Heating Calculator
Enter the area to heat and the system type to get the coverage, the electrical load and an installed cost range.
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Estimated cost
$5,400 – $9,600
Typical figure around $7,500.
- Heated area
- 600 sq ft
- Coverage (90% of area)
- 540 sq ft
- Connected load
- 7.2 kW
Installed prices including the thermostat, floor insulation and labour. Running cost depends on your electricity rate and how the zone is controlled.
Planning estimate only — confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.
How this estimate is calculated
The estimate is built from area to heat (sq ft), system type and subfloor, then priced at national average rates. It reports heated area, coverage (90% of area) and connected load, with quantities rounded up so you are never short of material and the standard waste allowance already included where it applies.
Installed prices including the thermostat, floor insulation and labour. Running cost depends on your electricity rate and how the zone is controlled.
The dollar range is a national average, so treat it as a starting point rather than a bid. Labor rates, permit fees and material delivery differ by region — the state table below shows how your state compares, and construction cost by state breaks the picture down further.
Prefer the longer version? Read our guide to How much does radiant floor heating cost.
Cost by system type
Each row prices the same default job shown in the calculator above, changing only the system type. Use it to see what the upgrade or the cheaper option really costs before you commit.
| System type | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Electric mat — under tile | $5,400 | $9,600 |
| Electric cable — under any floor | $4,200 | $7,800 |
| Hydronic — hot water tubing | $7,200 | $14,400 |
What the same job costs by state
Every row applies that state's construction cost index to the national range calculated above. The index bundles local labor rates, permit fees and material delivery, so it is a planning figure rather than a bid.
| State | Index | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 0.92 | $4,968 | $8,832 |
| Texas | 0.93 | $5,022 | $8,928 |
| North Carolina | 0.94 | $5,076 | $9,024 |
| Georgia | 0.95 | $5,130 | $9,120 |
| Arizona | 1.01 | $5,454 | $9,696 |
| Florida | 1.02 | $5,508 | $9,792 |
| Pennsylvania | 1.03 | $5,562 | $9,888 |
| Illinois | 1.05 | $5,670 | $10,080 |
| Colorado | 1.08 | $5,832 | $10,368 |
| Washington | 1.15 | $6,210 | $11,040 |
| California | 1.32 | $7,128 | $12,672 |
| New York | 1.42 | $7,668 | $13,632 |
Index 1.00 is the national average. See construction cost by state for metro-level figures and the projects homeowners ask about most.
Frequently asked questions
How much does radiant floor heating cost per square foot?
Electric mats run $9 to $16 per square foot installed and cable systems $7 to $13. Hydronic tubing costs $12 to $24, and more if a boiler has to be added for it.
Is electric or hydronic radiant floor heating cheaper to run?
Hydronic is usually cheaper to run where natural gas is available, because gas costs less per unit of heat than electricity. Electric mats win on installation simplicity and are often cheaper to run where the house already has cheap electricity or solar.
Can I install radiant heat under an existing floor?
Electric mats and thin cables can go over an existing subfloor under a new finish, which makes them the practical choice for a single-room retrofit. Hydronic tubing normally needs the floor opened, so it suits new construction and full renovations.
What floor coverings work with radiant heat?
Tile and stone transfer heat best, vinyl and engineered wood work well, and thick carpet insulates against the heat you paid for. Solid hardwood needs a system that limits the surface temperature to protect the boards.
Does this cost change from state to state?
Yes. Applying each state's construction cost index to the national range of $5,400 to $9,600, the same job runs from about $4,968 to $8,832 in Ohio (index 0.92) to $7,668 to $13,632 in New York (index 1.42).
What is not included in this estimate?
Installed prices including the thermostat, floor insulation and labour. Running cost depends on your electricity rate and how the zone is controlled. The figure is a national planning average for the work described above, not a contractor's quote.
