Lawn Edging Calculator: Pieces and Stakes

This calculator counts the edging for a lawn or garden bed. Enter the total edge length in feet, the length of one piece or roll of edging and the stake spacing; you get the number of pieces, the stakes for an open run, and the length in metres.

Formula

Pieces = edge length ÷ piece length, rounded up. Stakes = edge length ÷ stake spacing, rounded up, plus one for the far end of an open run. Metres = feet × 0.3048.

• len1: total length to edge in feet (measure curves with a hose or string laid along the line)
• pc: length of one piece or roll
• sp: distance between anchor stakes recommended by the edging maker

Worked Example

60 ft of edging, 20 ft rolls, a stake every 3 ft.

1. Pieces = 60 ÷ 20 = 3 pieces
2. Stakes = 60 ÷ 3 = 20, plus 1 = 21 stakes
3. Length = 60 × 0.3048 = 18.29 m

How to use the result

For a closed loop around a bed, the first and last stake are the same point, so you need one stake fewer. Add a stake at each joint between pieces if the maker recommends it, and allow some overlap at joints for edging that overlaps rather than butts.

Limits and common mistakes

• Measure curves along the curve, not straight across.
• Tight curves may need closer stakes than straight runs.
• Check for buried cables and irrigation lines before driving stakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure a curved bed edge?

Lay a garden hose along the edge, mark the ends, then straighten it and measure.

How many stakes per 20 ft of edging?

At 3 ft spacing: 20 ÷ 3 = 6.67, rounded up to 7, plus 1 for the end = 8.

Should I buy extra edging?

Buy enough for overlaps at joints and a little spare for mistakes.

Does this work for metal or plastic edging?

Yes; enter the piece length and the stake spacing for your product.

in len1 | Total edge length | ft | 60 | 0 | 100000
in pc | Length of one piece or roll | ft | 20 | 0.5 | 1000
in sp | Stake spacing | ft | 3 | 0.5 | 50
out pieces | Edging pieces | pieces | ceil(round(len1 / pc, 6)) | 0
out stakes | Stakes | stakes | ceil(round(len1 / sp, 6)) + 1 | 0
out m | Edge length | m | len1 * 0.3048 | 2