Why Getting the Measurement Right Matters
Ordering too little turf means you're left with bare patches and a second delivery from a different batch — which may not match the colour of the first. Ordering too much wastes money, though leftover rolls can go on the compost heap.
The good news: measuring a lawn is straightforward. You don't need surveying equipment — a tape measure and 5 minutes is enough for most gardens. Or use our turf calculator to do the maths for you.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Rectangular Lawns
The simplest shape. Measure the length and width in metres, then multiply them together.
Example: A lawn 8m long × 5m wide = 40m²
If the sides aren't perfectly parallel (most aren't), measure at the widest point for each dimension. You'll have a small amount of waste, but that's covered by the wastage allowance.
L-Shaped Lawns
Split the L into two rectangles. Measure each rectangle separately, then add the two areas together.
Example:
- Rectangle 1: 6m × 4m = 24m²
- Rectangle 2: 3m × 5m = 15m²
- Total: 39m²
This approach works for any irregular shape — break it down into rectangles and triangles, measure each piece, and add them up.
Triangular Areas
Measure the base and the height (the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite corner). Multiply them together and divide by 2.
Example: Base 4m × height 3m ÷ 2 = 6m²
Triangular sections often appear where a lawn meets a diagonal fence line or the corner of a property.
Circular Lawns
Measure from the centre of the circle to the edge — that's the radius. Then use the formula: 3.14 × radius × radius.
Example: A circular lawn with a 3m radius = 3.14 × 3 × 3 = 28.3m²
For a semicircle (common where a lawn wraps around a patio or path), calculate the full circle and divide by 2.
Curved or Irregular Shapes
For lawns with sweeping curves or organic shapes, the simplest approach is to imagine a rectangle that fully encloses the curved area. Measure that rectangle, then estimate what percentage of the rectangle is actually lawn. Multiply accordingly.
Example: The enclosing rectangle is 10m × 6m = 60m². The lawn fills roughly 75% of that rectangle. Estimated area: 45m².
This isn't precise, but your wastage allowance covers the difference. For a more accurate measurement on complex shapes, use our turf calculator.
Gardens with Obstacles
If your lawn has trees, flower beds, ponds, or other features in the middle, measure the full lawn area first, then subtract the area of each obstacle.
Example:
- Full lawn area: 60m²
- Circular flower bed (radius 1.5m): 3.14 × 1.5 × 1.5 = 7.1m²
- Rectangular raised bed (2m × 1m): 2m²
- Net lawn area: 60 - 7.1 - 2 = 50.9m²
Don't subtract small obstacles like individual fence posts or washing line poles — the wastage allowance covers those.
Wastage Allowance: How Much Extra to Order
You will always need more turf than your net measured area. Rolls need to be cut to fit around edges, curves, and obstacles, and the offcuts are wasted.
Standard Rule of Thumb
| Lawn Shape | Wastage Allowance |
|---|---|
| Simple rectangle with straight edges | 5% |
| Rectangle with a few curves or beds | 10% |
| Complex shape with multiple curves and obstacles | 15% |
| Circular lawn | 15% |
Example: Your lawn measures 55m² and has a curved border and two small beds. Add 10%: 55 × 1.10 = 60.5m². Order 61m².
Always round up to the next whole number. Suppliers sell by the square metre and you can't order half a roll.
When to Go Higher
If your lawn has a lot of narrow strips (e.g., between a path and a fence), waste increases because you're cutting full rolls down to small pieces. In those situations, 15–20% isn't unreasonable.
Standard Turf Roll Sizes in the UK
Most residential turf in the UK comes in one standard roll size:
- Standard roll: approximately 610mm wide × 1640mm long = roughly 1m² per roll
- Weight: 15–25kg per roll depending on moisture content
- Thickness: 25–40mm of soil attached to the grass
Some suppliers offer larger rolls for trade customers:
- Large rolls: 600mm wide × 2400mm long (1.44m² per roll) — these are heavier but faster to lay on big areas
- Big rolls / turf carpet: 750mm+ wide, sold by the linear metre — used by landscapers on large commercial projects, not usually available to domestic customers
For most garden projects, you'll be working with standard 1m² rolls.
How Many Rolls is That?
Since each standard roll is approximately 1m², the number of rolls roughly equals your total square meterage including wastage.
| Lawn Size | Turf Needed (with 10% wastage) | Approximate Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Small urban garden (20–30m²) | 22–33m² | 22–33 rolls |
| Average UK back lawn (50–80m²) | 55–88m² | 55–88 rolls |
| Large garden (100m²+) | 110m²+ | 110+ rolls |
A standard pallet holds approximately 50–60 rolls (50–60m²). If you're ordering more than 50m², expect delivery on a full pallet.
Common Lawn Sizes: Quick Reference
Not sure how your garden compares? Here are typical sizes for UK properties:
| Property Type | Typical Lawn Area | Turf to Order (inc. 10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced house, small rear garden | 15–25m² | 17–28m² |
| Semi-detached, average rear garden | 40–70m² | 44–77m² |
| Detached house, standard plot | 60–120m² | 66–132m² |
| Large detached / rural property | 150–300m² | 165–330m² |
| Front garden (typical semi) | 10–25m² | 11–28m² |
If you're re-turfing an existing lawn, measure the actual lawn — don't rely on estate agent descriptions or garden size estimates from property listings.
How to Order
Timing Your Order
- Order early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) if you want delivery later that week. Most turf farms cut to order and need 2–3 days lead time.
- Avoid Friday deliveries unless you're laying the same day. Turf sitting on a pallet over the weekend deteriorates, especially in warm weather.
- Book delivery for the morning so you have the full day to lay it.
Rounding Up
Always round up to the next whole square metre. If your calculation comes to 47.3m², order 48m². The cost of one extra roll (£3–8) is nothing compared to the hassle of being one roll short.
Ordering from a Supplier
When placing your order, you'll need:
- Total square meterage (including wastage allowance)
- Type of turf (utility, hard-wearing, shade-tolerant, etc.)
- Delivery postcode
- Preferred delivery date
- Whether you have hard standing (driveway) for pallet access
Most online suppliers show live pricing and delivery availability when you enter your postcode.
What About Topsoil?
Your measurement tells you how much turf to buy, but you may also need topsoil if your existing ground is poor, shallow, or full of rubble. A typical turf installation needs 100–150mm of decent topsoil beneath the turf.
Rough topsoil calculation: Lawn area (m²) × depth needed (in metres) = volume in cubic metres.
Example: 50m² lawn needing 100mm (0.1m) of topsoil = 50 × 0.1 = 5 cubic metres. A standard bulk bag holds approximately 0.75m³, so you'd need 7 bags.
For more detail on costs, see our turf cost guide. For help with your specific project, try the turf calculator.