Methodology & editorial policy
YardTally tools are planning estimators. I (Hammad Iqbal) document the formulas in code with unit tests, cite manufacturer and extension sources on each page, and only change “last reviewed” dates when the formula, yields, sources, or explanatory text actually change.
How numbers are produced
- Pure TypeScript functions in
src/lib/calculators/with Vitest coverage - US bag yields aligned to common QUIKRETE / Sakrete published coverage (about 0.30 / 0.45 / 0.60 cu ft for 40 / 60 / 80 lb mixes)—always verify the bag you buy
- Waste factors disclosed in the UI and article text
- Unit conversions centralized in
src/lib/units.ts
Formula sections by calculator
Each tool page documents its formula, worked example, and sources. Jump to the “How it’s calculated” (or equivalent) section:
- Concrete (slabs / footings / steps)
- Post hole concrete
- Sonotube columns
- Mulch beds
- Tree-ring mulch
- Gravel
- Topsoil
- Sand
- Pavers
- Fence materials
- Deck materials
- Roof pitch
- Roofing shingles
- Paint
- Retaining wall blocks
- Grass seed
- Fertilizer
- Raised bed soil
Sources policy
Prefer primary sources: manufacturer calculators and data sheets, American Cement Association (formerly Portland Cement Association) materials, ACI residential concrete guidance, and university extension pages for mulch depth and lawn fertility. Each tool’s Sources list states what the URL is used for and the date I checked it. I do not invent credentials or anonymous “editorial team” bylines.
What the calculators leave out
- Structural design (rebar, thickness for loads, frost heave engineering)
- Local code minimums and permit requirements
- Site-specific soil, drainage, and access constraints
- Specialty mix yields that differ from standard bag charts
AI / automation disclosure
Drafts may be written with AI assistance; every formula, rate, and reference is checked by Hammad Iqbal against the sources listed on each page before publish.
Date policy
datePublished is the first release. dateModified / “Last reviewed” change only
when content or math changes—not to fake freshness. Site-wide stamp: 2026-11-07.
Correction log & changelog
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 2026-11-07 |
Rechecked QUIKRETE Concrete Mix bag yields (0.30 / 0.45 / 0.60 cu ft) against manufacturer data
sheet coverage; fixed swapped 10×10 slab and Sonotube bag-count copy; clarified fence
bags-per-post as a Fast-Setting heuristic vs full cylinder fill; refreshed source
checked dates; expanded thin contact, calculators index, lawn/concrete/outdoor
hubs, privacy, and terms for AdSense readiness.
|
| 2026-10-24 | Answer-first hub rework (cards under a numeric lead), guide answer numbers for driveway gravel and retaining walls, footer headings demoted, cookie bar capped at 56px, methodology links to every calculator formula section. |
| 2026-10-20 | Mobile SEO / E-E-A-T pass: named maintainer (Hammad Iqbal), TrustBlock sources, Consent Mode v2 analytics, hub and guide expansions, favicon/OG set, embed snippets. |
| 2026-10-19 | Initial public release of calculator suite and guides. |
Report errors via contact · Maintainer: Hammad Iqbal