Grid-based
2D stagger
Diagonal layout
Multi-ring bands
Corner rules
Price optimization
CSV & PDF
All counts are planning estimates. Validate against project specifications.
Cost optimization (multi-box)
Define up to three box options. We’ll find the least-cost mix meeting the required fasteners after overage.
| Label | Fasteners / box | Price / box | Currency | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Recommended mix
| Label | Boxes | Fasteners | Unit price | Subtotal |
|---|
Scenario table
Use Save scenario to append your current result. The first row below is an example.
| # | Scenario | Units | Areas (L×W) | Field spacing (X×Y) | Edge spacing (X×Y) | Rings | Corner extra | Overage % | Per box | Total after | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Example A | Imperial | 20×10 | 8×8 | 6×6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 250 | 1200 | 5 |
Formula used
Let each rectangular area have Length = L and Width = W. Choose base units to match spacing: inches (imperial) or centimeters (metric).
- Field grid (orthogonal):
rows = ⌊W / sy⌋ + 1,cols = ⌊L / sx⌋ + 1,grid = rows × cols. - Staggered rows: offset odd rows by
fx × sx; columns per row:⌊(L − δ)/sx⌋ + 1. - Staggered columns: offset odd columns by
fy × sy; rows per column:⌊(W − δ)/sy⌋ + 1. - 2D stagger (rows & columns): lattice points
(c·sx + δr, r·sy + δc)withδr = (r mod 2) ? fx·sx : 0andδc = (c mod 2) ? fy·sy : 0. Count points withx ≤ L,y ≤ W. - Diagonal grid (angle θ): project onto rotated axes
U,Vand count⌊U/sx⌋+1by⌊V/sy⌋+1. - Perimeter extras (orthogonal): additions beyond the field grid along edges using
ex,ey, and rings (excluding corners). - Diagonal perimeter bands: for band index
i, inset lengthsLi=max(L−2i·d,0),Wi=max(W−2i·d,0), wheredis ring inset; count2·max(⌊Li/ex⌋−1,0) + 2·max(⌊Wi/ey⌋−1,0)and sum over bands. - Corners:
cornerExtra = 4 × rings × cornerExtraPerCorner. - Totals: sum across areas; apply overage; box rounding as shown in the UI.
- Price optimization: choose non-negative integers of box options minimizing total cost while meeting required fasteners. We search combinations efficiently.
How to use
- Select units and enter box size and overage.
- Add one or more rectangular areas with length and width.
- Enter field spacing X (along length) and Y (along width).
- Optional: enable 2D stagger by checking both row and column staggering.
- Diagonal mode: set angle, enable perimeter bands, and set ring inset.
- Click Calculate to get fasteners, boxes, and leftovers.
- Use Optimize by price to find the cheapest box mix.
- Save the scenario, then export the table to CSV or PDF.
FAQs
X spacing runs along the length of an area, Y spacing along its width. Rows are across the width; columns run along the length.
Yes. Check both “Stagger rows” and “Stagger columns.” The solver enumerates the lattice and counts all valid points inside your rectangle.
We create inward bands by a fixed inset per ring. For each band, we count edge points along the shrunken rectangle using ex/ey, exclude corners, and sum across bands.
No. Perimeter counts exclude corners. If your spec needs extra corner anchors, use the “Extra per corner” control.
Imperial uses feet for lengths and inches for spacing. Metric uses meters for lengths and centimeters for spacing. Internally, calculations convert to inches or centimeters respectively.
Approximate with multiple rectangles. Add rows for each segment, and the calculator will sum totals across all areas.
Yes. Define box options with counts and prices, then click Optimize. The tool finds the least-cost mix that meets your required fasteners after overage.