Before using one of our landscaping material calculators, begin by estimating the square footage of the area you plan to cover.
The same basic measurements can be used when planning for mulch, decorative stone, gravel, topsoil, compost, or other bulk landscaping materials. Choose the method below that most closely matches the shape of your project area.
Square and Rectangular Areas
This method works well for landscape beds, lawns, garden areas, patios, walkways, and other spaces with mostly straight sides.
Measure the length and width of the area in feet. Multiply those two measurements to determine the total square footage.
Example
A landscape bed is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide.
20 × 8 = 160 square feet
Enter 160 square feet into the appropriate material calculator.
Triangular Areas
Use this method for corners, angled planting beds, lawn sections, and other spaces that form a triangle.
Measure the base of the triangle. Then measure the height by running a straight line from the base to the opposite point. The height should meet the base at approximately a 90-degree angle.
Example
A triangular bed has a 12-foot base and an 8-foot height.
12 × 8 ÷ 2 = 48 square feet
The estimated area is 48 square feet.
Circular Areas and Tree Rings
Use this method for circular flower beds, tree rings, firepit areas, and round landscape islands.
Understanding the Radius
The radius is the distance from the center of a circle to its outside edge. To find it, locate the approximate center of the area and measure straight outward to the border.
For a tree ring, measure from the center of the tree trunk to the outside edge of the bed.
Finding the Radius From the Diameter
The diameter is the full distance across a circle, passing through its center. Divide the diameter by two to determine the radius.
For example, a bed measuring 10 feet across has a radius of 5 feet.
Example
A circular bed has a radius of 5 feet.
5 × 5 × 3.14 = 78.5 square feet
Round the measurement to approximately 79 square feet before entering it into the calculator.
Curved and Irregular Landscape Beds
Most landscape beds are not perfect geometric shapes. Curved edges, changing widths, and unusual corners are common.
For a long curved bed, measure its total length and then take several width measurements at evenly spaced points.
Calculate the Average Width
Add the width measurements together and divide the total by the number of measurements taken.
Multiply the total length by the average width to estimate the area.
Example
A curved bed is 30 feet long. The width is measured at three locations:
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 5 feet
4 + 6 + 5 = 15 feet
15 ÷ 3 = 5-foot average width
30 × 5 = 150 square feet
For More Complicated Areas
Divide the project into smaller rectangles, triangles, circles, or curved sections. Calculate each section separately, then add the results together.
Rectangular section: 120 square feet
Triangular section: 35 square feet
Curved section: 50 square feet
120 + 35 + 50 = 205 square feet
Tips for a More Accurate Estimate
- Measure all dimensions in feet.
- Take multiple width measurements in curved areas.
- Divide complicated spaces into smaller sections.
- Subtract patios, sidewalks, utility pads, and other uncovered areas.
- Account for uneven ground, settling, compaction, and minor material loss.
- Consider adding 5% to 10% when appropriate to avoid running short.
Galloway’s Lawn Service provides professional landscaping and property improvement services throughout Chattanooga and the surrounding area. Our team can measure your project, estimate the appropriate quantity of material, and provide professional installation.
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