Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Net Area (ft²) | Width (in) | Speed (mph) | Overlap | Efficiency | Passes | Machines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small courtyard | 3,200 | 18 | 2.0 | 10% | 80% | 1 | 1 |
| Sports turf zone | 18,500 | 30 | 2.8 | 12% | 85% | 2 | 2 |
| Large open field | 65,000 | 36 | 3.0 | 8% | 88% | 1 | 3 |
Formula Used
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose your unit system and site shape.
- Enter shape dimensions, or enter a custom area.
- Subtract exclusions like beds, hardscape, or no‑work zones.
- Enter machine width, working speed, and expected overlap.
- Set field efficiency to reflect turns and site access.
- Select passes for single or crosshatch aeration patterns.
- Enter machine count and work hours per day for scheduling.
- Optional: enable the core pattern estimate for hole totals.
- Enter rates to estimate price, then export CSV or PDF.
Professional Article
1) Defining aeration coverage
Aeration coverage is the portion of a site that receives the intended tine pattern within a work window. On projects with mixed turf, hardscape, and planting beds, coverage planning keeps crews focused on treatable surfaces and reduces rework.
2) Measuring area with fewer surprises
Start with a simple shape that matches the footprint, then subtract exclusions such as walkways, trees, structures, and no-access zones. If plans provide square footage, enter custom area directly and still subtract exclusions to reflect reality. Converting to acres can help compare similar jobs.
3) Swath width and overlap
Machine width is rarely the same as effective width. Operators overlap passes to avoid missed strips, especially near edges and curved boundaries. A 10% overlap on a 24-inch machine reduces effective width to 21.6 inches, lowering production accordingly.
4) Field efficiency as a productivity modifier
Efficiency represents turning time, repositioning, debris handling, and brief stops for obstructions. Open fields may hold 85–95% efficiency, while compact courtyards can drop near 70–80%. Use conservative values when access is tight and turning space is limited.
5) Pass count and treatment intensity
Passes define how many times the same net area is treated. One pass supports routine maintenance. Two passes in a crosshatch pattern increases uniformity and can improve infiltration, but it doubles machine-hours unless productivity assumptions change.
6) Converting speed into coverage rate
The calculator converts travel speed into feet per hour and multiplies by effective width and efficiency. For example, 2.5 mph equals 13,200 ft/hr. With 2.0 ft effective width and 85% efficiency, single-machine output is about 22,440 ft²/hr. If two passes are specified, net output is effectively halved.
7) Scheduling crews and multiple machines
Machine-hours are the total work required for the job. Elapsed time depends on how many machines operate simultaneously. Two machines cut elapsed hours roughly in half, which is useful when coordinating with topdressing, overseeding, or irrigation testing.
8) Pricing with transparent components
Rates are applied per machine-hour so estimates scale with passes and efficiency. Direct cost typically includes labor, equipment, and fuel or consumables. Overhead and profit percentages produce a clear total and a unit price per square foot for bids and reporting. Exporting a CSV for spreadsheets and a PDF for submittals keeps field notes, pricing, and assumptions organized for stakeholders today.
FAQs
1) What does overlap mean in practice?
Overlap is the portion of each pass that intentionally repeats the previous pass to avoid skips. Higher overlap improves uniformity near edges but reduces effective width and lowers production.
2) How should I pick field efficiency?
Use 85–95% for open areas with few obstacles. Use 70–85% for tight sites, frequent turns, or heavy cleanup. If you are unsure, start lower and calibrate with recent job performance.
3) Why do passes increase machine-hours?
Each pass treats the same net area again. Two passes usually double machine-hours because the coverage rate is applied to the total treated area, not just the footprint.
4) Can I use this for irregular sites?
Yes. Choose “Custom area” if you already have measured square footage, or approximate the footprint with simple shapes and subtract exclusions to reach a realistic net area.
5) What speed should I enter?
Enter the actual working speed while aerating, including slowdowns for turns and obstacles. If productivity looks too high, reduce speed or reduce efficiency to better reflect field conditions.
6) How is unit price calculated?
The calculator multiplies machine-hours by your hourly rates to get direct cost, then adds overhead and profit. The total is divided by net area to produce a per‑square‑foot price.
7) What is the core pattern estimate used for?
If you know hole spacing and row spacing, the estimate converts that grid into holes per square foot. It helps anticipate plug volume, cleanup effort, and disposal needs on larger sites.
Accurate coverage planning keeps projects efficient and predictable always.