Landscape Edging Calculator
Estimate landscape-edging length, full stock pieces, connecting joints, stakes and material cost for a rectangular bed plus optional islands.
Default project preview
17 pieces
Measured perimeter
120
Purchased length
136
Stakes
41
Connecting joints
16
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Main bed length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 30 ft.
Main bed width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 20 ft.
Extra island perimeter
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 20 ft. Minimum: 0.
Waste allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Edging stock length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 8 ft.
Stake spacing
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 3 ft.
Price per edging piece
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 12. Minimum: 0.
Price per stake
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 1.25. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Measured perimeter
main bed plus islands. Default preview: 120.
Purchased length
full stock pieces. Default preview: 136.
Stakes
3 spacing. Default preview: 41.
Connecting joints
maximum straight-run estimate. Default preview: 16.
Unused stock
before reuse of offcuts. Default preview: 16.
Material cost
edging and stakes. Default preview: $255.25.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Main perimeter = 2 × (length + width). Add island perimeter, apply waste, then round stock pieces up. Stakes use measured perimeter ÷ spacing.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026
Estimate edging length, stock pieces, connectors and stakes from measured perimeter and product spacing.
Calculation steps
- 1Enter the actual project dimensions or operating values.
- 2Apply the calculator formula using consistent units.
- 3Review the unrounded result and the editable allowance.
- 4Round only to the product, stock length or equipment increment actually purchased.
Worked numerical example
A 92 ft bed perimeter using 20 ft strips requires 5 strips before cut allowance and the specified number of stakes.
Purchasing and rounding
Measure each bed edge and curve along its installed path, then divide by the actual strip or roll length sold. Round up to whole pieces and include the manufacturer's connector and stake spacing; tight curves and frequent corners may require more connectors or shorter usable pieces.
Interpret the result
The length result is the edging path itself. Purchase quantity can be higher because stock comes in fixed lengths and some offcuts cannot bridge the next run; stake count is a separate installation requirement controlled by product type, soil and curvature.
Page-specific assumptions
- Inputs describe one consistent project condition.
- Entered yields and efficiencies match the selected product or equipment.
- Site-specific code and engineering requirements are checked separately.
Common mistakes
- Mixing imperial and metric inputs.
- Using nominal dimensions where actual coverage controls.
- Rounding intermediate values too early.
- Treating a quantity estimate as design approval.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
FAQ
Landscape Edging Calculator questions
Should curved beds use more edging?+
The centreline length is similar, but tighter curves can require more cuts, connectors and stakes.
How far apart should stakes be?+
Follow the edging manufacturer guidance and use closer spacing at curves, joints and soft soil.
Can offcuts be reused?+
Often yes, when the product allows secure connections and the remaining piece suits another section.