Artificial grass is cut from rolls of a fixed width, and all strips must run with the blades leaning the same way. Enter the size of the area; the calculator picks the direction that wastes least and gives the turf to order, the strips and the seams.
Turf formula
Strips = area width ÷ roll width, rounded up Roll length = strips × area length Turf to order = roll length × roll width The calculator tries both directions and uses the shorter roll length.
Worked example: a 30 × 20 ft yard, 15 ft roll
- Strips across the 20 ft side: 2 × 30 ft = 60 ft of roll.
- Strips across the 30 ft side: 2 × 20 ft = 40 ft of roll.
- The second is shorter: 40 × 15 = 600 sq ft, with one seam and 0 sq ft of offcut.
Plan the layout
Turf is commonly sold in 15 ft and 12 ft widths, but widths vary by product, so check before ordering. Point the grain toward the main viewing area, keep seams away from heavy foot traffic and add a few inches at each edge for trimming. Offcuts can fill small side areas only if they run the same direction.
Also needed
- A compacted base of crushed stone or decomposed granite; the paver base calculator estimates it.
- Weed barrier fabric under the base in many installations.
- Seam tape, adhesive, nails or staples, and infill if the turf calls for it.
Questions
How much turf for a 20 × 20 area?
600 sq ft on a 15 ft roll, with one seam.
Is turf sold by the square foot?
Usually, cut to length from the roll.
Does turf have a direction?
Yes. All pieces must have the blades leaning the same way, or the seams show.
Sources
- NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.8: Factors for units listed alphabetically, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Used for: Square foot definitions.