How many square meters of turf do I need?

What is a turf slab?

A turf slab is a pre-grown section of grass and soil harvested into manageable strips for easy installation. In Australia, most turf pieces are cut to approximately 400mm wide by 1250mm long, though sizes may vary slightly depending on the supplier.

Each slab contains healthy grass, roots, and a layer of soil, allowing it to establish quickly when laid on prepared ground. Turf rolls are designed to make lawn installation faster and more uniform than seeding.

When planning your project, you must check with your turf supplier about the exact size of their slabs, as this affects how many square meters you’ll need. At Lilydale Instant Lawn, for example, varieties like our TifTuf Bermuda, Sir Walter DNA Buffalo or Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu are cut into convenient slabs for residential and commercial lawns.

How to measure your lawn area?

Before you can work out how many square meters of turf you need, you’ll need to calculate the total area of your lawn. Follow these steps:

1. Gather your tools – Use a tape measure, pen, and paper (or a phone app) to record dimensions.

2. Start with simple shapes – Measure the length and width of rectangular or square areas, then multiply to get the square metres (e.g., 5m long × 8m wide = 40m²).

3. Break complex lawns into sections – Divide tricky spaces into simpler shapes such as rectangles, triangles, or circles. For circles, measure the diameter and use the formula πr² to calculate the area.

4. Add them all together – Once each section is measured, add them up to find the total area of your lawn.

5. Allow for extra turf – Always add 5–10% to your calculation. This covers cutting, shaping, and wastage during installation.

Many Australian suppliers, including Lilydale Instant Lawn, provide an online turf calculator to help you estimate turf needs based on your lawn measurements.

How much turf do I need?

We harvest our turf in flat rectangular pieces. To calculate how many square meters of turf you need, measure your lawn area in square metres. For example:

• 40m² lawn = 80 pieces of turf
• 75m² lawn = 150 pieces of turf
• 120m² lawn = 240 pieces of turf

It is most important to order by the square meters not by the pieces. The calculation is straightforward because turf pieces are cut to a consistent size, 400mm wide x 1250mm long, there are two pieces per square meter.

 Always order 5–10% more than the exact area you measured. This covers trimming, shaping edges, and minor miscalculations. For example, if your lawn is 75m², you should order around 80m²

You can also use the turf calculator on our website for a quick calculation. It makes it easy to determine how many rolls of turf you need for different lawn shapes.

Choosing the right turf variety for your project

Not all turf varieties are the same. The best choice depends on your climate, foot traffic, and how much maintenance you’re prepared to give your lawn. Here’s a quick comparison:

Always match your turf type to your soil and lawn needs. For example, sandy soils may require varieties with better water retention, while heavy clay soils need turf that tolerates compaction.

How to measure the size of your lawn

Before you can work out how many turf rolls you need, you’ll need accurate measurements to find the area of your lawn. The method you use depends on the shape of your yard:

1. Rectangles or squares – Measure the length and width using a tape measure. Multiply them to get the total area in square metres (e.g., 5 m x 10 m = 50 m²).

2. Circles – Measure the diameter (distance across the circle). Divide it by two to get the radius, then calculate: π × radius².

3. Triangles – Measure the base and height, multiply them, then divide by two.

If your yard is unusually shaped, break it into simpler sections, calculate each one, and then add them all together for the total.

Example: A lawn with a 30 m² rectangular section and a 20 m² triangular section has a total of 50 m².

Tips for ordering and delivery of turf rolls

Once you’ve calculated how many square meters of turf you need, the next step is to plan your order and delivery. Turf is a living product that should be laid immediately after arrival to ensure it establishes quickly.

Tips for ordering and delivery:

• Book your turf to be delivered as close to installation day as possible, ideally on the morning of your DIY or professional project.
• Prepare the soil before your turf arrives by levelling and raking the soil smooth to prevent delays. Lilydale Instant Lawn supply a starter fertiliser which delivered with the turf, apply this before laying the turf.
• Order about 5–10% extra turf to cover awkward corners and allow for cutting.
• Check that delivery trucks can access the site easily so the turf can be unloaded close to where it will be laid.
• Install your new lawn in spring, summer or early autumn for the best balance of temperature and water availability.

Create a healthy new lawn with the right turf rolls

Whether laying turf on a new lawn or filling bare spots, ordering the right amount saves money and ensures seamless coverage for a healthy, green lawn.

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we supply premium turf varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and TifTuf Bermuda, which are suited to Australian conditions. With expert advice, fast delivery, and ongoing lawn care support, we make creating and maintaining the perfect lawn easy.

Use our turf calculator to determine how many rolls of turf you need, or contact our team today for personalised recommendations.