How our property estimates work
We show the method behind the number so you can judge whether an estimate is useful for your project.
Area measured from a map polygon
When you trace a property boundary, the tool stores the geographic coordinates of the polygon and calculates its surface area. Results are converted into square metres, square feet, acres and hectares. The perimeter is calculated from the polygon boundary length.
Important: the mathematics can be precise while the traced boundary is still approximate. Imagery position, visible fences and the points you choose can differ from a legal parcel line.
Usable open area
Our usable-land workflow starts with the full traced property and subtracts only the portions of user-drawn occupied areas that overlap the property. Examples include an existing house, driveway, pool or hardscape.
Usable open area = measured property area − occupied areas inside the property.
This is intentionally called usable open area, not “buildable area.” Zoning setbacks, easements, utilities, septic systems, drainage, environmental restrictions and local rules can reduce buildable space further.
Structure fit check
The fit tool creates a rectangle using the width, length and rotation you enter. It then checks whether that footprint lies fully inside the boundary you traced. A successful fit means the geometry fits inside your drawn shape; it does not mean the project is permitted.
Survey / plat image calibration
The image measurement tool first asks for one known real-world distance shown on the image. If that line is D feet long and spans P pixels, the scale is D ÷ P feet per pixel.
The traced boundary area is calculated with a polygon area formula in image pixels, then converted to square feet by multiplying by the square of the scale. Perimeter is converted by multiplying traced pixel length by the same feet-per-pixel scale.
Image-based estimate = document geometry × user calibration. Perspective distortion, stretching, scan quality and imprecise endpoint clicks can affect the result. Use a long, clearly labelled dimension where possible.
Project calculators
Fence
Fence calculations use linear length, gate openings, panel width and post spacing. They do not infer fence length from acreage.
Sod
Sod calculations convert lawn area into the selected ordering unit and add the waste allowance you choose.
Gravel
Gravel calculations convert length × width × depth into volume and then estimate weight from a selected material density. Real material density and compaction vary, so supplier quantities can differ.
What we will not pretend to know
These tools are for screening, comparison, budgeting and project preparation. They do not replace a boundary survey, title research, engineering, zoning review, permit approval, supplier quote or contractor site visit.
If you find a calculation that looks wrong, please report it with the inputs you used so it can be reproduced and corrected.