← All Docs

VLSM Calculator

Divide a network into variable-sized subnets based on host requirements. Optimizes IP allocation with largest-first strategy.

Try VLSM Calculator →

What It Does

The VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask) Calculator takes a parent network block and a list of subnet requirements (each with a name and host count), then allocates optimally-sized subnets using the largest-first strategy. It minimizes wasted address space compared to fixed-size subnetting.

How to Use It

  1. Navigate to IP Tools → VLSM Calculator from the top menu.
  2. Enter the parent network address and CIDR prefix (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24).
  3. For each subnet, enter a name and the number of hosts needed.
  4. Click Add Subnet to add more rows. Click the X to remove a row.
  5. Click Calculate VLSM.
  6. View the allocation table showing network, range, broadcast, mask, usable hosts, and wasted addresses for each subnet.
  7. Use Copy All or Download .txt to export the plan.

Presets

  • Office (50, 20, 10, 5): Typical small office with 4 departments on a /24.
  • Campus (200, 100, 50, 25, 10): Multi-building campus on a /22.
  • Point-to-Point (2, 2, 2, 2): WAN links using /30 subnets from a /24.

Example: Office Network Design

You have 192.168.1.0/24 and need subnets for Engineering (50 hosts), Sales (20), Management (10), and Servers (5):

  1. Enter 192.168.1.0 / 24 as the parent network.
  2. Add 4 rows with the requirements above.
  3. Click Calculate.

The calculator allocates a /26 for Engineering, /27 for Sales, /28 for Management, and /29 for Servers — all fitting within the /24 with minimal waste.

Use Cases

  • Network design: Plan IP allocation for a new office or campus.
  • VLAN planning: Size subnets to match department or floor requirements.
  • IP conservation: Maximize use of a limited address block.
  • Documentation: Export the allocation table for network diagrams and change requests.
  • Certification prep: Practice VLSM subnetting for CCNA/CCNP exams.