Understanding Your Calculator Results
You used the calculator. Got your number.
Now you’re wondering what it actually means.
Let’s break it down so you understand exactly what you’re looking at and what happens next.
What Do Your Calculator Results Mean?
You just got your graft estimate from our calculator.
Now you’re probably wondering: is this number accurate? Should I trust it?
Here’s the honest answer.
This Is Your Starting Point, Not Your Final Number
Think of our calculator like Google Maps giving you an estimated arrival time.
It’s based on real data and years of experience. But it can’t account for traffic jams (or in your case, unique hair characteristics).
That’s why the number you see is a range, not an exact count.
Why Your Real Number Might Be Different
During your in-person consultation, Dr. Cole examines factors the calculator can’t measure:
The Calculator Doesn’t Lie, But It Doesn’t Know Everything
Our calculator uses the same formulas Dr. Cole uses when planning procedures.
It’s based on over 20 years of surgical data from thousands of successful transplants.
But here’s what it can’t do: touch your scalp, examine your donor area under magnification, or predict your future hair loss pattern.
That requires human expertise.
What Those Numbers Actually Mean
Let’s say the calculator estimates 2,500-3,000 grafts for you.
Each graft contains 1-4 hairs. On average, about 2.3 hairs per graft. So 2,500 grafts means roughly 5,750 individual hairs.
That’s enough to cover about 70-80 square centimeters at a natural-looking density of 35-40 grafts per square centimeter.
In real terms? That could restore your entire hairline and frontal third. Or cover a large crown area. Or both, with slightly less density.
Why We Give You a Range
Hair restoration isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Your Norwood Stage 4 might need more grafts than someone else’s Stage 4 because:
- You want denser results
- You have a larger head
- You’re younger (accounting for future loss)
- Your hair characteristics require more coverage
The range accounts for these variables.
How Accurate Is This Calculator Compared to Others?
Most calculators online are either too simple or too complicated.
Too simple? They just multiply bald area by a fixed number. That’s like saying everyone who’s 6 feet tall weighs the same.
Too complicated? They ask 50 questions and still can’t beat an in-person assessment.
Ours hits the sweet spot. It considers the factors that matter most (Norwood stage, hair type, treatment area, desired density) without pretending to replace Dr. Cole’s trained eye.
What Happens Next?
Your calculator results are automatically saved when you book a consultation.
Dr. Cole will review them before your appointment. Then during your visit, he’ll:
Most patients find their actual number is within 15% of the calculator estimate.
Pretty impressive for an online tool, right?
One More Thing About Expectations
Here’s what realistic looks like:
If the calculator says 1,500 grafts, you’re probably looking at hairline restoration or filling temples. Not full coverage from front to crown.
If it says 4,000 grafts, you’re in the range where we might recommend multiple sessions. That’s a lot of work for one day (though Dr. Cole has done mega-sessions up to 5,500 grafts).
If it says 6,000+ grafts, we need to have a serious conversation about donor supply, managing expectations, and potentially using body hair (yes, that’s a real option).
The calculator won’t sugarcoat it. Neither will we.
Here’s what realistic looks like:
If the calculator says 1,500 grafts, you’re probably looking at hairline restoration or filling temples. Not full coverage from front to crown.
If it says 4,000 grafts, you’re in the range where we might recommend multiple sessions. That’s a lot of work for one day (though Dr. Cole has done mega-sessions up to 5,500 grafts).
If it says 6,000+ grafts, we need to have a serious conversation about donor supply, managing expectations, and potentially using body hair (yes, that’s a real option).
Ready for Your Real Number?
Book a free consultation with Dr. Cole.
He’ll give you the accurate count, explain exactly what’s possible, and show you before-and-after photos of patients similar to you.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just honest answers from someone who’s been doing this since 1999.