Landscape Edging Calculator

How it works

edge = 2 × (length + width), π × diameter, or measured · strips or rolls = ⌈edge × (1 + waste) ÷ (piece length − 10 cm overlap)⌉ · bricks = ⌈edge ÷ unit length × (1 + waste)⌉

Edging is bought by the piece, so the job is to measure the edge and divide by the usable length of each piece. Steel, aluminium and plastic edging is joined with about 10 cm (4″) of overlap or a connector, which takes a little off each piece, and is held with stakes roughly every 90 cm (3 ft) plus one at each joint; tighter curves need closer stakes. Bricks, pavers or concrete edging blocks are counted by their length laid end to end on a sand or mortar bed. For curved or irregular beds, lay a garden hose along the edge and measure the hose.

Worked example

A 6 × 3 m rectangular bed has 2 × (6 + 3) = 18.0 m of edge. With 6.1 m plastic rolls overlapped 10 cm (6.0 m usable each) and 5% waste: 18 × 1.05 ÷ 6.0 = 3.15 → 4 rolls, costing $60.00 at $15 each, held by 20 stakes every 90 cm plus 4 at the joints = 24 stakes.

Sources: University of Minnesota Extension — Edging garden beds · Penn State Extension — Landscape design basics

Frequently asked questions