SPK Stacker Packers
Levelling Shim Calculator
Estimate the 2mm, 3mm, 5mm and 10mm SPK levelling shims needed across your project, with every recommendation rounded up to full boxes.
Project estimate
Calculate your SPK shim requirements
Enter two project measurements to receive a practical ordering mix. If gap widths vary significantly, calculate each area or phase separately.
Important Notes
- This calculator provides a general recommendation. Always follow specific project specifications and consult with a qualified engineer.
- The recommendation uses a 60% / 20% / 10% / 10% thickness allocation.
- Each quantity is rounded up to a full box to provide sufficient stock.
- The actual required number of shims may vary depending on specific project requirements and conditions.
- Ensure all safety protocols and local regulations are followed when using levelling shims.
How it works
From project measurements to order-ready quantities
The calculator estimates total shim depth across the project, distributes it between four useful thicknesses and converts each result into complete SPK packs.
- 01
Count the locations
Count every separate support or bearing point expected to need levelling. Use the project drawings rather than the overall size of the structure.
- 02
Enter the gap width
Add the expected packing depth at each location in millimetres. Calculate areas separately where their typical gaps are materially different.
- 03
Review the box quantities
The project requirement is split across four SPK thicknesses and every result is rounded up to complete boxes, ready to add to your cart.
Worked example
1,000 locations with a 20mm gap
1,000 locations × 20mm creates a total project requirement of 20,000mm of shim depth.
Recommended allocation
60% · 20% · 10% · 10%
Across 10mm, 5mm, 3mm and 2mm shims respectively.
| Product | Allocation | Shims required | Full boxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPK1010mm | 60% | 1,200 | 5 |
| SPK55mm | 20% | 800 | 2 |
| SPK33mm | 10% | 667 | 1 |
| SPK22mm | 10% | 1,000 | 2 |
Each line is rounded up independently to ensure the allocated requirement is met by complete boxes.
SPK specification
Levelling shim sizes and pack quantities
The calculator recommends the 70mm × 70mm HIPS Stacker Packers range. Product and pack data below matches the current Brilliant Ideas catalogue.
| Product | Thickness | Size | Quantity per box |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPK2 | 2mm | 70mm × 70mm | 750 |
| SPK3 | 3mm | 70mm × 70mm | 750 |
| SPK5 | 5mm | 70mm × 70mm | 500 |
| SPK10 | 10mm | 70mm × 70mm | 250 |
Need help checking your estimate?
Send the Brilliant Ideas team your location count, expected gaps and project details for help selecting and ordering Stacker Packers.
Levelling shim calculator FAQs
Straightforward answers about project inputs, SPK shim quantities and full-box recommendations.
What does the levelling shim calculator work out?
The calculator multiplies the number of locations by the gap width to estimate the total shim depth required across the project. It then divides that requirement into a practical mix of 10mm, 5mm, 3mm and 2mm SPK levelling shims before rounding each recommendation up to full boxes.
What should I enter as the number of locations?
Count every support or bearing point that is expected to need levelling. For example, if a precast installation has several separate points that need packing, each point should be counted as one location. Check the drawings and project specification rather than estimating from the overall size of the structure.
Which gap width should I use?
Enter the expected packing depth at each location in millimetres. Where gap widths vary significantly, calculate separate areas or phases using their own representative gap rather than combining everything into one average. A suitably qualified engineer should confirm the design gap and acceptable tolerances.
Why does the calculator recommend a mix of shim thicknesses?
A mixed stock of thicknesses gives the site team more flexibility when actual levels vary. The recommendation allocates 60% of the total shim depth to 10mm shims, 20% to 5mm shims, 10% to 3mm shims and 10% to 2mm shims. The thicker shims provide most of the packing depth, while the thinner shims help with finer adjustments.
Why are the recommended box quantities rounded up?
Levelling shims are supplied in complete boxes, so the calculator always rounds upwards to avoid recommending less than the calculated requirement. SPK10 shims come in boxes of 250, SPK5 in boxes of 500, and SPK3 and SPK2 in boxes of 750.
Which levelling shims does the calculator recommend?
The calculator uses the SPK Stacker Packers range. These are 70mm by 70mm HIPS levelling shims available in 2mm, 3mm, 5mm and 10mm thicknesses. The results show the minimum number of individual shims required and the full boxes needed for each thickness.
Can I use the calculator for gaps over 40mm?
The calculator will produce an estimate, but it flags gap widths over 40mm for review and treats gaps over 50mm as excessive. Larger packing depths may need a different engineered solution, so speak to the Brilliant Ideas technical team and follow the project engineer’s specification before ordering.
Is the result an exact installation plan?
No. It is a project-level ordering estimate intended to provide a useful spread of shim thicknesses with enough full boxes to meet the calculated requirement. Actual shim placement depends on site levels, loading, bearing details and the approved construction design. Always follow the project specification and relevant safety procedures.