Calculate Rug Placement
Enter your space and furniture footprint. Results appear above this form.
Example Data Table
| Garden Area | Space (L×W) | Furniture (L×W) | Overhang | Recommended Rug | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio | 400×300 cm | 220×160 cm | 40 cm | 300×240 cm | 60.0% |
| Gazebo | 320×320 cm | 150×150 cm | 50 cm | 250 cm diameter | 47.9% |
| Outdoor Dining | 500×350 cm | 240×100 cm | 60 cm | 360×220 cm | 45.3% |
Formula Used
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure your garden area length and width.
- Measure the furniture footprint, including chairs when pulled out.
- Set a safe edge clearance to avoid damp borders.
- Add walkway clearance if people pass around the rug.
- Choose overhang to keep legs on the rug comfortably.
- Press Calculate Placement and review results above.
Measurement Inputs That Matter Outdoors
Outdoor rug plans start with clean measurements. Enter the full space length and width, then capture the furniture footprint including chairs pulled back. The calculator adds your overhang to keep legs supported and reduces the result to respect edge and walkway buffers. Using one unit system throughout avoids rounding drift and keeps the recommended pad size aligned with the final rug dimensions for purchase and delivery.
Clearance Rules for Safer Walkways
Clearances protect circulation and prevent corners from catching moisture. Edge clearance keeps the rug away from borders, while walkway clearance reserves a path around the rug when traffic is expected. The usable area is computed by subtracting twice the combined clearance from each side. If your target size exceeds that usable envelope, the recommendation scales down and shows the achieved overhang clearly for decisions on comfort.
Choosing Rectangular vs Round Rugs
Rug shape affects both fit and coverage. A rectangle is sized from length and width targets, and orientation can rotate for a better fit. A round option converts the target into a diameter based on the larger dimension, then limits it to the available space. Coverage uses rectangle area or a circle area calculation, helping you compare visual balance across layouts and materials before buying locally.
Interpreting Offsets and Fit Score
Placement offsets translate sizing into where to set the rug. Offsets are centered by default, then clamped so the rug stays within the space even when clearances are large. The fit score summarizes how closely the final size matches your target after constraints. A score near 100 indicates minimal reduction, while lower scores suggest tighter spaces or larger clearance settings in practice outdoors for safety daily.
Using Exports for Planning and Buying
Exports make planning portable. Download the CSV to share inputs and outputs with a supplier, or save the PDF for a quick on-site reference. Use the example table as a sanity check for typical patio, gazebo, and dining setups. If your surface slope is notable, pair the rug with a grippy pad and consider increasing clearance for safer edges during wet seasons too, especially in monsoon.
FAQs
What overhang should I start with for outdoor seating?
A practical starting point is 30–60 cm (12–24 in). Increase it when chairs slide back or when you want more visual border. The achieved overhang shown in results confirms what your clearances allow.
Why did my recommended size get smaller than the target?
The tool caps the rug to the usable space after edge and walkway buffers. When the target exceeds that envelope, the recommendation reduces length, width, or diameter to maintain the clearances you entered.
How is the placement offset calculated?
Offsets aim to center the rug within the space while honoring clearances. If centering would violate the edge or walkway buffer, the offset is shifted and clamped so the rug stays fully inside the measured area.
Can I use this for a round table in a gazebo?
Yes. Choose the round shape, enter the gazebo size, and use the table footprint including pulled-out chairs. The diameter recommendation will fit within the usable area and provides a coverage percentage for balance.
What does the fit score mean?
It summarizes how closely the final rug matches your target size after constraints. Scores near 100 indicate little or no reduction. Lower scores usually mean tight spaces, larger buffers, or a larger requested overhang.
How do I choose a pad size outdoors?
Start with a pad margin of 3–8 cm (1–3 in) per side so edges stay hidden. If the surface is smooth or sloped, choose a grippier pad and consider slightly larger clearance settings for stability.