HOME/FREE TOOLS/FIRE EXTINGUISHER COVERAGE
Fire protection

Fire extinguisher coverage calculator

Get a quick estimate of how many portable extinguishers a floor needs, based on area, levels and hazard class — a planning aid ahead of a full AS 2444 assessment.

The building
Floor area, levels and the fire hazard class.
Extinguishers needed
2
About 2 per level for 800 m² at 400 m² coverage each, with a max travel distance of 20 m to the nearest extinguisher.
Coverage per extinguisher400 m²
Max travel distance20 m
Extinguishers per level2
Total extinguishers2

Indicative only. Extinguisher selection, rating, type and placement must follow AS 2444 and consider the specific fire risks present — not just floor area.

traqR keeps every extinguisher’s location, service history and next test date against the site — so nothing is missed at inspection.

Start free trial

How it works

1

Assess the hazard

The fire risk in the space sets how closely extinguishers must be placed and the type required — light, ordinary or high hazard.

2

Cover the travel distance

AS 2444 limits how far anyone should have to travel to reach an extinguisher. Higher hazards mean shorter travel distances and more units.

3

Count per level

Dividing the floor area by the coverage per extinguisher gives the number for each level, which is then totalled across the building.

Frequently asked questions

How many fire extinguishers do I need?

It depends on the floor area, the fire hazard class and the type of extinguisher, all set out in AS 2444. This tool gives an indicative count from area and a typical coverage figure, but the real requirement also depends on the specific hazards, extinguisher ratings and travel distances in your building.

What is the maximum travel distance to an extinguisher?

AS 2444 sets maximum travel distances so an extinguisher is always close at hand — commonly around 20 m for lower hazards and less for higher hazards or specific risks like flammable liquids. The distance is measured along the actual path of travel, not in a straight line.

Does one type of extinguisher suit every fire?

No. Extinguisher type must match the fire class — water and foam for ordinary combustibles, CO₂ or dry powder for electrical and flammable liquids, wet chemical for cooking oils. Placing the wrong type can be dangerous. AS 2444 covers selection by risk.

Is this calculator enough for compliance?

No. It’s a planning aid. A competent fire safety practitioner must determine extinguisher selection, distribution and signage to AS 2444, and maintenance must follow AS 1851.

This calculator is an indicative planning aid using typical coverage figures, not a substitute for AS 2444. Extinguisher type, rating, distribution and signage depend on the specific hazards and must be determined and installed by a competent fire safety practitioner, with maintenance to AS 1851.

Track every extinguisher to its test date

traqR keeps each extinguisher’s location, service history and next AS 1851 test against the site. Try it free for 14 days.

Start free trial View pricing