TURF CALCULATOR
Calculating the area of lawn you need is simple. Even if your lawn is a complex shape, you can break it down into easy-to-calculate shapes.
Lawn Area Calculator: Calculate How Much Turf You Need
Planning a new lawn? Use StrathAyr’s turf calculator Australia to estimate the total square metres your lawn area will need to cover.
Simply divide your lawn into basic shapes, enter the measurements for each section and let the calculator add the areas together. Once you know your total, you can allow a little extra turf for cutting, trimming and fitting around garden beds, paths and other boundaries.
Calculate Your Turf
Calculate your lawn area
Calculating the size and area of your lawn is an important step in the process. While lawns often come in all shapes and sizes, determining your turf area is easy with our Turf Calculator!
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Sketch out your lawn
On to the drawing board as they say! -
Break your shape into areas similar to the diagram above.
This way, you’ll ensure each area is comprehensively covered. -
Use a measuring tape, determine the dimensions of each section of lawn.
And don’t forget to write them down! -
Add the measurements into our handy calculator by clicking the button below.
And now, it’s time to turf!
How to Measure Your Lawn Area with a Tape Measure
A tape measure is usually the most accurate option for an average residential lawn. Measure along the outer edges of the area you intend to turf and record every dimension in metres.
Before you begin:
- Mark important corners or changes in direction.
- Sketch the overall lawn shape.
- Label each section on your sketch.
- Record all measurements in metres.
- Take photos of measurement points if the boundaries may be difficult to identify later.
- Measure around areas that will not be turfed, such as garden beds, paving or sheds.
Marker flags, stakes or other visible markers can help define unclear boundaries. For a large property, satellite imagery or an online mapping tool may provide a useful preliminary estimate, but measurements taken on site should be used to confirm the final area before ordering.
Calculating Square Metres of Lawn for Simple Shapes
The turf calculator handles the calculations for you, but understanding the basic formulas can help you check your measurements.
Rectangular or Square Lawns
Multiply the length by the width:
Length x width = area in square metres
For example, a rectangular lawn measuring 8 metres long and 5 metres wide has an area of:
8 m × 5 m = 40 m²
Triangular Lawn Areas
Multiply the base by the perpendicular height and divide the result by two:
Base × height ÷ 2 = area in square metres
For example, a triangular section with a base of 6 metres and a height of 4 metres has an area of:
6 m × 4 m ÷ 2 = 12 m²
Circular Lawn Areas
Measure from the centre of the circle to its outer edge to find the radius. Then use:
Radius × radius × 3.14 = area in square metres
For example, a circular lawn with a radius of 3 metres has an approximate area of:
3 m × 3 m × 3.14 = 28.26 m²
Make sure you enter the radius rather than the full diameter when using the circular-area option.
How to Measure More Complex Irregular Areas of Your Lawn
More complex, irregular areas are easier to calculate when they are divided into several simple sections.
For example, an L-shaped lawn could be separated into two rectangles:
- Section one: 8 m × 4 m = 32 m²
- Section two: 3 m × 2 m = 6 m²
- Total lawn area: 32 m² + 6 m² = 38 m²
Add each individual section to the calculator rather than trying to measure the entire lawn as one shape.
For curved or highly irregular boundaries, divide the space into the closest practical combination of rectangles, triangles and circles. You can also overlay a simple grid on your sketch and count the complete and partial squares to develop an estimate. Try using graph paper, then starting with the widest and longest points of the yard, shade in all the full squares. After, you can estimate the area of the partially filled squares.
Document every section before entering the figures into our online turf calculator. This makes it easier to check that no areas have been omitted or counted twice.
How Much Turf Should I Order?
Once the calculator has provided your total lawn area, we add a small amount of extra turf, over and above the turf required, to account for cuts, trimming and minor measuring differences.
As a general guide:
- Add approximately 5% for square or rectangular lawns with simple boundaries.
- Add approximately 10% for irregular lawns, curved edges or areas with numerous obstacles.
For example, if your measured lawn area is 80 m²:
- 5% extra: order approximately 84 m²
- 10% extra: order approximately 88 m²
The appropriate allowance will depend on the lawn layout and how efficiently the turf can be cut and positioned. It is generally better to have a small amount left over than to run short during installation.
Choosing A Turf Type for Your New Lawn
After calculating your lawn area, consider how the space will be used and how much sun, shade and wear it receives. StrathAyr supplies several turf varieties suited to Victorian conditions.
Sir Walter Buffalo DNA Certified
Sir Walter Buffalo is a durable, broad-leaf turf with high shade tolerance and strong wear resistance. Its ability to self-repair makes it a practical option for family lawns, pets and frequently used outdoor areas.
RTF Tall Fescue
RTF Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass that maintains its green colour throughout the year. Suited to full sun or partial shade, it tolerates frost and produces underground rhizomes that help repair worn patches over time.
TifTuf Bermuda
TifTuf Bermuda has a fine, soft leaf and dense growth, with very high drought tolerance and wear resistance. Its ability to recover from wear makes it a suitable choice for busy backyards, pets and frequently used lawns.
You can also compare Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu, Sir Grange Zoysia and Nullarbor Couch when selecting the right turf for your property.
Ordering Turf and Preparing for Your Turf Delivery
Before placing your order, confirm your measurements and make sure every section has been included in the final total. Add the appropriate extra turf allowance and check the current turf price and availability through the StrathAyr shop.
Prepare the ground before the turf arrives so it can be laid promptly after delivery. Turf is a living product, and minimising the time between delivery and installation helps support successful establishment.
As a Victorian local grower, StrathAyr supplies farm-direct, freshly harvested, Australian-grown turf selected for its quality and suitability for local conditions.
Delivery availability, lead times and costs will depend on the destination and order details. StrathAyr provides kerbside delivery using trucks fitted with forklifts, with delivery arrangements confirmed as part of the ordering process.View our current delivery information.
Turf Calculator FAQs
How Many Square Metres of Turf Do I Need?
Measure every section of the planned lawn, calculate each area in square metres and add the results together. The StrathAyr lawn turf calculator will total the individual shapes automatically. Measure twice before ordering to confirm that the dimensions and overall total are correct. If in doubt, contact us directly with any further questions you may have.
Is There a Turf Cost Calculator?
Not exactly, because you will need to decide which turf variety you wish to order. After working out how much turf is needed, you can easily pop over to the turf variety page of your choice and put in how many square metres you need for the approximate total area of your lawn. Once you’ve typed in the square metres, the price, excluding delivery, will automatically be calculated for you. This is the closest we have to a turf price calculator.
How Much Extra Turf Should I Order?
Allow approximately 5% extra for a straightforward square or rectangular lawn, over and above the actual amount of turf needed. Consider allowing approximately 10% for irregular shapes and areas, curved boundaries or lawns requiring numerous cuts. The extra turf provides an allowance for trimming, fitting and minor measurement differences.
Can I Use the Calculator for an Irregular Lawn?
Yes. Sketch the lawn and divide it into smaller rectangles, triangles or circular sections. Enter each shape separately and the calculator will combine the individual areas into one total.
Should I Subtract Garden Beds and Paved Areas?
Yes. Only include the ground that will actually be covered with turf. You can divide the remaining lawn into separate measurable sections around garden beds, paving, trees, sheds and other permanent features.
What If I Am Unsure About My Measurements?
If you are in doubt, sketch and label every section, measure each dimension twice and compare your manual calculations with the calculator total. If you are still unsure, contact StrathAyr on 1800 622 455 for assistance with the calculator and ordering service.
