How do I measure my lawn?

For a rectangular yard, measure length and width and multiply. For an L-shape, split into two rectangles, measure each, then add the areas. For irregular shapes, break the yard into multiple rectangles and triangles, calculate each, and sum the total.

How much grass seed do I need per 1,000 sq ft?

New lawn seeding uses 4–6 lbs of cool-season seed per 1,000 sq ft (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass). Overseeding existing lawns uses 2–4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia use about half — 1–2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft.

How many sod rolls do I need?

Standard sod rolls are 2 × 5 ft (10 sq ft each), and pallets typically hold 50 sq ft. Divide your lawn area by 10 to get roll count, then add 10% waste for cuts around obstacles like trees and flower beds.

What is the difference between seed and sod?

Seed is dramatically cheaper ($30–60 per 1,000 sq ft) but takes weeks to establish and needs careful watering. Sod gives an instant lawn ($300–700 per 1,000 sq ft installed) and is ready for light use in 2–3 weeks. Choose seed for budget projects; choose sod for slope erosion control or fast results.

How many sq ft are in an acre of lawn?

1 acre equals 43,560 square feet. A quarter-acre lawn is 10,890 sq ft, and a typical US suburban lot of one-fifth acre is 8,712 sq ft. Use this to convert between yard area and lot size.

How much does new lawn cost?

Seed costs $30–60 per 1,000 sq ft material only, DIY. Sod costs $0.30–0.80 per sq ft material, $0.70–1.50 installed. Hydroseed is in between at $0.10–0.20 per sq ft. Add irrigation, soil prep, and starter fertilizer to either approach.

Outdoor Calculator

Lawn Square Footage Calculator

Calculate the area of your lawn or yard in square feet, square meters, and acres — plus get grass seed and sod roll estimates for new installations or overseeding.

Yard Shape

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Irregular yards: divide complex shapes into rectangles, calculate each, and add the areas together. Use the L-shape option to combine two rectangles in one calculation.

Results

Lawn area2000 sq ft

In square meters185.8 m²

In acres0.0459 acre

Grass seed (cool-season)8.0 lbs

Sod rolls (~2'×5' each)220 rolls

Seed: 4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft is typical for cool-season blends; 6 lbs for high-traffic areas. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia) use roughly half as much seed. Sod is sold as 10 sq ft rolls or 50 sq ft pallets — order 10% extra for cuts.

Lawn Area Formulas

Most yards are made up of basic shapes — rectangles, triangles, and the occasional circle. The trick to accurate measurement is breaking irregular shapes into these primitives.

Rectangle = Length × Width

Triangle = (Base × Height) ÷ 2

Circle = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)²

L-shape = Rectangle 1 + Rectangle 2

1 acre = 43,560 sq ft

Seed vs Sod: Which Is Right for You?

Grass Seed (DIY-friendly)

$30–60 per 1,000 sq ft of seed
4–6 weeks to germinate and fill in
Best for flat areas without erosion risk
Requires consistent watering — 2× daily for first 2 weeks
Cool-season planting: early fall ideal, spring secondary

Sod (instant results)

$0.70–1.50 per sq ft installed
Walkable in 2–3 weeks, full use in 4–6 weeks
Best for slopes and erosion control
Heavy watering daily for first week
Can be installed any time during growing season

Frequently Asked Questions

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Planning the entire outdoor project? These calculators cover the rest.

Sources

The figures on this page are based on data from these authoritative industry sources.

The Home Depot Buyer’s Guides — Retail price ranges for flooring, paint, and finishing materials.

Lawn Square Footage Calculator

Results

Lawn Area Formulas

Seed vs Sod: Which Is Right for You?

Grass Seed (DIY-friendly)

Sod (instant results)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources