Playground Area Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Use the grid to capture geometry, buffers, equipment zones, and allowances.

Responsive input grid: 3 / 2 / 1 columns

Units

Choose first; labels update automatically.

Shape type

Buffer is applied around the boundary.

Perimeter buffer (m)

Use for clear zones, edging, and access margin.

Rectangle length (m)

Rectangle width (m)

Circle diameter (m)

Triangle base (m)

Triangle height (m)

Leg A length (m)

Leg A width (m)

Leg B length (m)

Leg B width (m)

Enter legs as non-overlapping rectangles.

Known area (m²)

Perimeter (optional) (m)

Improves buffer estimate for irregular layouts.

Circulation / paths allowance (%)

Adds area for paths, benches, and access.

Surfacing overage (%)

Covers waste, cutting, and future topping-up.

Surfacing depth (cm)

Leave zero if you only need area.

Material density (kg/m³)

Optional for estimating delivered weight.

Equipment Use-Zones (up to 5)

Each use-zone expands equipment footprint by clearance on all sides.

Item 1

Name

Length (m)

Width (m)

Clearance (m)

Item 2

Name

Length (m)

Width (m)

Clearance (m)

Item 3

Name

Length (m)

Width (m)

Clearance (m)

Item 4

Name

Length (m)

Width (m)

Clearance (m)

Item 5

Name

Length (m)

Width (m)

Clearance (m)

Example Data Table

Sample inputs and the resulting planned surfacing area.

Scenario	Shape	Key dimensions	Buffer	Allowances	Surfacing allowance area
Neighborhood park	Rectangle	25 × 18 m	2 m	Paths 10%, Overage 5%	≈ 626.85 m²
Compact courtyard	Circle	Diameter 20 m	1 m	Paths 8%, Overage 6%	≈ 403.70 m²
Irregular lot	Custom	Area 400 m²	1.5 m	Paths 12%, Overage 5%	≈ 470.40 m²

Example figures are rounded and shown for illustration.

Formula Used

Rectangle area: A = L × W
Circle area: A = π × r², where r = D ÷ 2
Triangle area: A = 0.5 × Base × Height
Buffered boundary: A_buffered computed by expanding boundary dimensions by 2×buffer.
Equipment use-zone: A_eq = (L + 2c) × (W + 2c), summed across items.
Suggested minimum: A_min = max(A_buffered, A_eq)
Planned area: A_plan = A_min × (1 + Paths%)
Surfacing allowance: A_surf = A_plan × (1 + Overage%)
Volume (optional): V = A_surf × depth (converted to m or ft)

How to Use This Calculator

Select units, then choose the playground shape.
Enter the main shape dimensions and a perimeter buffer.
Add equipment footprints and clearances to model use-zones.
Set circulation and surfacing overage percentages for planning.
Optionally enter surfacing depth and density for volume and weight.
Press Calculate to view results above the form.
Download CSV or PDF for documentation and sharing.

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