Sod & Turf Calculator
Calculate how many rolls of turf or pieces of sod a lawn needs, with a trimming allowance and cost.
How to use this calculator
- 1Measure the area. For an irregular space, split it into rectangles, work each out, and add them.
- 2Set the unit you measured in — the calculator converts everything for you.
- 3Check the coverage figure against the bag or tin you are actually buying; it varies between brands.
- 4Leave the waste allowance on. Running short mid-job costs far more than one spare unit.
How the calculation works
Units = ⌈ (Area × (1 + waste)) / Area of one piece ⌉- Area
- Surface area of the job
- waste
- Allowance for cuts, breakage and spillage
- ⌈ ⌉
- Round up — you cannot buy a fraction of a unit
Every dimension is converted to metres internally, so feet, yards and metres can be mixed with inches or centimetres without error.
Turf roll sizes vary by region. A common UK roll is 1.64 m × 0.61 m, about 1 m²; North American sod is often 2 ft × 5 ft, about 0.93 m². Enter the dimensions your supplier actually uses.
Turf is perishable and should be laid within about 24 hours of delivery, so timing the order to the day you can lay it matters more than with any other landscaping material.
Worked example
A 20 × 12 ft area
- 1.20 ft × 12 ft = 240 sq ft, which is 22.30 m².
- 2.Divided by the coverage per roll, that gives the raw requirement.
- 3.A 8% waste allowance is added, then the figure is rounded up to whole rolls.
Result: See the result panel — it updates live as you change the numbers.
What this assumes, and where it stops
Assumptions
- The area is flat and regular as described. Slopes, steps and obstructions change the quantity.
- Coverage figures are the manufacturer’s stated values, which assume good conditions and an even surface.
- The area entered is the prepared lawn area to be covered.
Limitations
- This estimates material only — not labour, tools, delivery, hire or disposal.
- Manufacturer coverage varies between brands and batches. Always check the packaging.
- Does not include topsoil, ground preparation, fertiliser or the sand-soil dressing usually applied after laying.
- A sloped lawn measured as flat area will under-order, since a slope has more surface than its footprint.
Common questions
How much turf do I need for my lawn?
Measure the lawn area and divide by the area of one roll, then add 5–15% for trimming depending on how curved the edges are. Split irregular lawns into rectangles, calculate each and add them — far more accurate than estimating the whole shape at once.
How soon do I need to lay turf after delivery?
Within about 24 hours, and sooner in hot weather. Rolled turf heats up and begins to yellow while stacked on a pallet, and grass that has started to deteriorate may never fully recover. Prepare the ground fully before the delivery arrives, not after.
Formula and content last reviewed on .
Results are estimates for information only, not professional advice.
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