Editorial Policy

Last updated: October 2026

SiteCals exists to give builders, contractors, and homeowners numbers they can trust. This policy explains how our calculators and articles are produced, how we check them, and how we fix them when something is wrong. We publish it because transparency is part of accuracy.

How Our Calculators Are Built

Standard formulas first. Every calculator is built around widely accepted construction formulas — the same math found in trade references, manufacturer technical guides, and standard practice (for example, volume = length × width × thickness for concrete work). Where an industry standard or code-referenced method exists, we follow it.
Documented assumptions. Each calculator states its formula and key assumptions (such as waste factors or standard material yields) so you can see exactly what the math does.
Both unit systems. Calculators accept metric and imperial inputs, with conversions applied consistently before results are computed.

How Content Is Reviewed

Formula verification: before a calculator goes live, its formula is checked against independent reference sources and tested with sample inputs whose correct answers are known by hand calculation.
Content review: articles are reviewed for technical accuracy, clear sourcing of any code or cost figures, and consistency with the calculator they support.
No fabricated authority: we do not invent credentials, project histories, client stories, or firsthand experience we don’t have. Worked examples are presented as illustrative calculations with reproducible arithmetic — you can check our math yourself.

Sources We Rely On

Our formulas and technical guidance draw on established, reputable sources, including manufacturer technical documentation, building science references, trade education materials, and — where cited — applicable standards and codes. Specific sources are referenced within individual articles where relevant. We do not copy competitor content; all explanations are written originally for SiteCals.

Corrections Policy

We take errors seriously — a wrong number on a calculator site is the worst kind of mistake. Our policy:

Report: anyone can report an error through the Contact page. Include the calculator name, your inputs, and the expected result.
Investigate: reported errors are checked against reference sources and hand calculations.
Fix and disclose: confirmed errors are corrected promptly. For significant corrections to published articles, we note the update on the page.
Prioritize: calculator math errors are fixed before anything else — they affect real purchasing decisions.

Update Cadence

Calculator formulas are re-verified when reference standards change or when an error is reported.
Articles carrying cost figures, code references, or product specifications are reviewed periodically, since prices and codes change over time. Pages show a last-updated date so you can judge freshness.
Articles that become outdated are updated or — where the topic is no longer useful — removed.

What We Don’t Do

We don’t publish paid product endorsements disguised as editorial content.
We don’t present estimates as professional engineering advice (see our Disclaimer).
We don’t use fake reviews, fabricated testimonials, or invented expert personas.
Advertising on the site is clearly separated from editorial content and never influences calculator math.

Feedback Welcome

This policy is a living document. If you have questions about how we work — or suggestions for doing it better — reach us through the Contact page.