Before you measure twice
Frequently Asked Questions
How the tools work, what the results can and cannot tell you, what is stored, and how to report something that does not look right.
Using the calculators and results
Are the calculators free to use?
Yes. The calculators, converters, reference charts, and games on Workshop Calculators are free to use in a web browser. No account or subscription is required.
Do I need to install anything?
No. The tools run in the browser. Some features, such as favorites or recently used tools, may store information locally on your device, but they do not require a separate program.
How accurate are the calculator results?
The arithmetic is designed to be accurate for the values and assumptions shown on each page. A result can still be wrong for the job when the inputs are wrong, units are mixed, or real conditions are outside the calculator’s assumptions. Read the explanation and verify critical work before cutting, ordering, wiring, mixing, or building.
Can the results replace plans, codes, or professional advice?
No. These tools help with calculation and understanding. They do not replace engineered plans, manufacturer instructions, safety requirements, inspections, building or electrical codes, or advice from a qualified professional when the job requires one.
Why does each calculator include an explanation?
A number without context is easy to misuse. The guided lessons explain what the calculator is doing, show the formula, walk through an example, and point out common mistakes and limitations so you can check the result instead of blindly trusting a button.
Which units do the tools support?
Unit support depends on the tool. Many calculators accept common U.S. customary and metric units, while the converters cover a wider range of modern, trade, scientific, surveying, and historical units. The available choices are shown beside each input.
Why is my result different from another calculator?
Different calculators may use different assumptions, rounding rules, material allowances, reference diameters, waste percentages, or unit definitions. Compare the inputs and stated method before deciding that one result is wrong.
Site features, storage, privacy, and ads
Can I save a calculator for later?
Yes. Use the favorite control on supported tools, then open My Tools to see favorites and recently used calculators on that device. This information is stored locally in the browser and may disappear if browser data is cleared.
Does Workshop Calculators collect my measurements or calculations?
The calculator inputs are normally processed in your browser. The site may use ordinary hosting logs, analytics, advertising technology, and local browser storage as described in the Privacy Policy, but it does not require an account to calculate a result.
Why are advertisements shown?
Advertising helps pay for hosting, maintenance, and the continued development of free calculators and lessons. Ad spaces are placed away from the main input controls and results so they do not interrupt the calculation itself.
Corrections and suggestions
How do I report an error?
Use the Corrections page or the Contact page. Include the calculator name, the values you entered, the result you received, and what you expected. Clear examples make it much easier to reproduce and fix a problem.
Can I suggest a new calculator or feature?
Yes. Use the Contact page and describe the real job you are trying to solve, the measurements you normally know, and the result you need. Practical problems with a clear repeatable method are the best candidates.
Goldie, games, and page updates
Who is Goldie?
Goldie, whose full name is Marigold, is the original Workshop Calculators guide. She helps explain the math, points out mistakes, runs the site search, and occasionally challenges visitors to a game.
Are the games part of the calculator catalog?
No. Games have their own landing page and navigation section. They are included as a workshop break and are kept separate from the calculators, converters, and reference charts.
Why does a page show a last updated date only when one is provided?
A review date should mean that the page was actually checked, not that a date was automatically changed. Pages will show freshness information when their content has been reviewed and the date can be stated honestly.