How Much Turf Do I Need?
Enter your lawn's length and width in metres. We'll calculate the total area, recommend a wastage allowance, and show you realistic UK price estimates.
Calculate your turf area
Tips for measuring accurately
- 1.For irregular shapes, divide the area into rectangles, calculate each separately, then add them together.
- 2.No tape measure? Pace it out. One normal walking stride is roughly 0.75 metres. Count your strides and multiply by 0.75.
- 3.Always round up. Suppliers sell in whole m² and won't accept returns on cut turf.
- 4.Measure twice, order once. A second delivery costs more than a few extra rolls.
How to Measure Your Lawn
Accurate measurements save you money. Ordering too little means a second delivery charge; ordering too much means wasted rolls. Here's how to measure any lawn shape.
1. Rectangular lawns
The simplest case. Measure the length and width in metres, then multiply them together. A lawn that's 12m long and 8m wide = 96m².
2. L-shaped or irregular lawns
Split the area into two or more rectangles. Measure and calculate each one separately, then add the totals together. For example, an L-shaped lawn might be a 10m × 6m rectangle plus a 4m × 3m rectangle = 72m².
3. Circular lawns
Measure the diameter (the widest point across), halve it to get the radius, then use the formula: π × radius². A circular lawn with a 6m diameter has a 3m radius: 3.14 × 9 = 28.3m².
4. Triangular areas
Useful for odd corners. Measure the base and the height (the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite point), then use: ½ × base × height. A triangle with a 5m base and 4m height = 10m².
No tape measure? Pace it out. One normal walking stride is roughly 0.75 metres. Count your strides along each edge and multiply by 0.75 to convert to metres. It won't be perfect, but it's close enough for an initial estimate.
How Much Does Turf Cost?
Turf prices in the UK vary depending on the grade. Here's what you can expect to pay per square metre in 2026.
Budget
£3–4/m²
Utility grade, high ryegrass content. Hard-wearing but coarser. Good for play areas and back gardens.
Standard
£4–6/m²
Multi-purpose blend. The most popular choice for domestic lawns — decent appearance with good durability.
Premium
£6–9/m²
Ornamental grade, fine fescue blends. Dense, dark green, bowling-green finish. Lower wear tolerance.
Delivery typically costs £30–60, though many suppliers offer free delivery on orders over 30–50m². Always check the delivery charge before ordering — it can significantly affect the per-metre cost on smaller lawns.
For a full breakdown including laying costs and regional differences, see our complete guide to turf costs in the UK.
Understanding Wastage
Every turf job produces offcuts. You'll trim rolls at edges, around flower beds, paths, and any other obstacles. The wastage allowance accounts for this.
10% — the standard recommendation
Works for most domestic lawns. If your area measures 50m², order 55m². This covers typical trimming at straight edges and a few minor obstacles.
15%+ — for complex layouts
Go higher if your lawn has curved borders, island flower beds, trees to cut around, or an irregular shape. The more cutting you do, the more waste you produce.
5% — for simple rectangles
If your lawn is a clean rectangle with no obstacles, you can get away with less. You'll still lose some at the end of each row.
Good to know: Most suppliers sell in whole square metres only. You can't order 23.7m² — you'd round up to 24m². Factor this in when calculating.
Turf Rolls: Size and Coverage
Standard roll size
1m² per roll
Typically 610mm × 1640mm, but varies by supplier
Weight per roll
15–20kg
When freshly cut — heavier after rain
Quick conversion
m² = rolls
50m² of turf = roughly 50 rolls
Because each roll covers 1m², the maths is straightforward: whatever your calculator total says, that's roughly how many rolls you need. A 50m² lawn with 10% wastage means ordering 55 rolls.
Storage tip: Lay your turf within 24 hours of delivery. Rolled turf heats up fast, especially in warm weather, and will start to yellow if left stacked. Keep rolls in the shade and never leave them in direct sunlight.
Related guides
How to Lay Turf: A Complete Guide
Step-by-step from ground preparation to watering.
How Much Does Turf Cost in the UK?
Full price breakdown including delivery and laying.
Do I Need Topsoil Before Laying Turf?
When topsoil is essential and when you can skip it.
How to Prepare Soil for Turf
Ground preparation is the biggest factor in success.
How Much Turf Do I Need?
Measuring guide with formulas for every lawn shape.
10 Common Turfing Mistakes
Avoid the pitfalls that ruin new lawns.