Sod (Turf) Calculator
Calculate how many rolls of sod you need to cover a given area, including a bit extra for fitting and waste.
How to use the calculator
- Measure or estimate the area to be covered with sod.
- Check the width and length of the rolls you plan to buy (varies somewhat between suppliers).
- See how many rolls you should buy, with 5% extra for fitting.
How it's calculated
Each roll covers a fixed area (width × length). Since lawns are rarely perfectly rectangular, 5% extra is added for fitting around edges, corners, and beds — and the result is always rounded up, since you can't buy a fraction of a roll.
Turf has a shelf life measured in hours, not days
Turf is delivered rolled up on pallets, and from the moment it is harvested it starts heating up from the inside. The grass is still respiring, the rolls sit tightly packed, and the heat generated has nowhere to go. On a warm summer day the rolls can be ruined within a day — visible as yellowing grass in the middle of the roll and a distinct smell of fermentation.
Ground preparation should therefore be completely finished before the turf arrives, not afterwards. The soil should be levelled, fertilised and moistened in advance so the rolls can go straight down from the pallet the same day. Immediately after laying, new turf needs a great deal of water for several weeks, because the roots have not yet grown into the soil beneath and the grass is living off the thin layer that came with the roll.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra should I buy beyond the calculation?
The 5% allowance is already included in the calculation. For very irregular lawn shapes with many corners and beds, it can be wise to add a bit more manually.
How quickly do I need to lay the sod after delivery?
Sod is a perishable product and should be laid within 24 hours of delivery for best results — it can dry out and be damaged if left rolled up too long.
Can I use this calculator for an irregular area?
Yes — break the lawn into simpler rectangles or triangles, calculate the area of each part separately, and add up the total area before using the calculator.