Sources & Data
Launch references verified on September 11, 2026. Variable presets stay labeled and editable.
Core launch references
- NIST Handbook 44 — unit-conversion reference, including the exact cubic relationship used by volume tools. NIST current edition.
- Caterpillar material density tables — optional loose-density references for gravel and topsoil. Supplier density overrides a convenience reference. Caterpillar reference tables.
- Penn State Extension — Lawn Establishment — source-labeled grass-seed rate ranges used by the launch seed calculator. Penn State Extension.
- Virginia Tech Extension — reference demonstrating that sod pallet coverage can vary; supplier coverage is therefore required for unit counts. Virginia Tech Extension.
- USG Sheetrock installation guide — common 4 × 8, 4 × 10 and 4 × 12 ft drywall sheet-size presets. USG guide.
- ENERGY STAR insulation guidance — R-value guidance showing why insulation requirements vary with climate and building location. The insulation calculator therefore does not invent a universal R-value. ENERGY STAR R-value guidance.
- Greenfiber SANCTUARY coverage chart — manufacturer example showing that maximum square feet per bag and installed depth vary by target R-value. The blown-in calculator therefore requires the exact chart value for the selected product/R-value. Greenfiber coverage data.
- Sherwin-Williams paint quantity guidance — measure paintable surfaces, subtract major openings and use the selected product's label coverage; actual requirements can vary with application and surface condition. Sherwin-Williams guidance.
- Tile Council of North America — grout-joint guidance explaining why one universal joint width is not appropriate for every installation. The tile calculator therefore does not hide a fixed joint-width assumption. TCNA grout guidance.
- Trex deck planning calculator — separates dimensions, substructure and decking and highlights the safety importance of the framework. The ProjectCalcWorks deck tool therefore estimates decking only, not structural framing. Trex deck planning calculator.
What is intentionally not a universal preset
Mulch bag volume, sod unit coverage, flooring/tile box coverage, paint coverage, blown-in bag coverage, decking dimensions, paver base depth, fence layout values and similar product/project details are not hard-coded as national facts. Enter the value from the exact product, supplier or plan you are using.
Grass-seed presets are source-labeled ranges rather than a single rate. Gravel and topsoil densities are optional references for approximate weight conversion; volume remains the primary calculation.
Source precedence
When a current manufacturer label, supplier specification, project document or applicable local requirement conflicts with a general convenience reference on this site, use the project-specific source. Report outdated references through Contact.