| Scenario | Shape | Dimensions | Waste | Area (m²) | Area (ft²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone walkway | Strip | 12 m × 0.9 m | 7% | 11.56 | 124 |
| Patio ring | Ring | R=3.0 m, r=2.4 m | 5% | 10.69 | 115 |
| Round stepping zone | Circle | r=1.8 m | 5% | 10.69 | 115 |
| Oval feature path | Ellipse | a=2.4 m, b=1.6 m | 10% | 13.27 | 143 |
- Strip / rectangle: Area = Length × Width
- Circle: Area = π × r²
- Ellipse (oval): Area = π × a × b
- Ring (annulus): Area = π × (R² − r²)
- Waste allowance: Final Area = Base Area × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100)
- Optional volume: Volume = Final Area × Depth
- Select the path shape that best matches your layout.
- Enter the required dimensions and choose the correct units.
- Set a waste allowance to cover cuts, spares, and overlap.
- Optional: tick edging, volume, and weight to plan materials.
- Press Calculate, then download CSV or PDF if needed.
Garden path area planning guide
Garden paths are easier to budget when area is known up front. This calculator supports long strips, rectangles, circles, ovals, and rings, then adds a waste allowance so your order matches real site conditions. Results can be exported for quotes and sign‑off.
1) Measure length and average width
Start by measuring the centerline length of the path with a tape or measuring wheel. Take several width readings along the route and use the average. Typical foot-traffic paths range from 0.75 to 1.20 m wide, while two‑person paths often sit near 1.20 to 1.50 m. If you measure in feet or inches, enter those units directly and let the calculator convert.
2) Select the best shape
Choose the closest shape to reduce error. Use Long strip for winding paths, Circle for round pads, Oval for elongated features, and Ring for paths around planters. The area uses standard geometry, such as π×r² for circles and π×a×b for ovals, so consistent units matter. For rings, the usable area is π×(R²−r²), where R is the outer radius and r is the inner radius.
3) Add waste and compare units
Add waste to prevent shortages. For loose gravel or mulch, 5–8% is common; for cut stone, brick, or patterned pavers, 8–12% is safer. The calculator shows m², ft², and yd²; remember that 1 m² equals 10.7639 ft² and 1.1960 yd², helping you compare supplier quotes. When materials are sold per pack, round up to the next pack adding waste.
4) Convert area to volume and weight
Turn area into materials. If you enter depth, volume is Area×Depth, useful for base layers and top dressing. Many gravel paths use 3–7 cm depth; heavy-use routes may need more plus a compacted sub-base. With density, weight is Density×Volume, helpful for transport planning and wheelbarrow loads. Allow for compaction, settling, and moisture, especially with sand or fine aggregate.
1) What if my path width changes along the route?
Use the long strip option and enter an average width. Take at least five width readings, sum them, and divide by the number of readings to reduce bias from narrow or wide sections.
2) Which unit should I use for supplier quotes?
Use whatever your supplier lists first, then cross-check the other units shown. The calculator provides m², ft², and yd² so you can validate prices across different quote formats.
3) How do I choose a waste percentage?
Start at 5% for simple gravel or mulch. Use 8–12% for pavers, bricks, or cut stone, especially with curves, diagonals, or patterns that create offcuts.
4) Does edging include corners and overlaps?
Edging is based on perimeter only. Add extra length for overlaps, miters, or waste at joints. For rings, it includes both inner and outer borders when edging is enabled.
5) Can I estimate base material and top surface separately?
Yes. Run the calculator twice with different depths: one for the compacted base layer and another for the surface layer. Keep the same area and adjust depth to match your build-up.
6) Why does volume change so much with small depth changes?
Volume equals area times depth. A 1 cm increase is 0.01 m; over 20 m² that adds 0.20 m³, which is noticeable in bulk bags and delivery weights.
7) Is the weight estimate exact for delivery trucks?
It is an estimate using density times volume. Real weights vary with moisture, compaction, and stone grading. Confirm payload limits and supplier bulk density if you are close to vehicle capacity.
Tip: Save your CSV or PDF for project records and quotes.