Turf roll layout calculator

Turf is sold by the linear foot off rolls that are usually 15 feet wide, sometimes 12, and a few putting surfaces come in narrower widths. Because you cannot buy a partial width, the direction you run the strips decides how many seams you have and how much you throw away.

Plan your roll layout

Area length

ft

Area width

ft

Roll width15 ft12 ft7.5 ft (some putting surfaces)

Trim allowance per cut end

in

Extra length at each end for squaring and edge cuts. 3 to 6 in is typical.

Assumes a rectangle. For L shapes, run each rectangle separately and keep the grain pointing the same way in every piece.

How the calculator works

For each direction it computes:

1. Strips = the side you are covering across, divided by roll width, rounded up.
2. Cut length = the run length plus your trim allowance at both ends.
3. Linear feet to order = strips x cut length.
4. Square feet ordered = linear feet x roll width.
5. Seam length = (strips - 1) x run length.
6. Waste = (ordered - actual area) / ordered.

It flags the option with fewer seams. Seams cost time, tape and adhesive, and every seam is a place where the lawn can show a line, so fewer is usually better even at a little more waste. For technique, see seaming artificial turf.

Using the offcuts

In the example, the second strip only needs to be 7 ft wide, which leaves an 8 ft wide offcut. Offcuts can fill side yards, dog areas or borders, but only if the grain points the same way as the main lawn. Turf laid with mismatched grain shows a visible color shift because light reflects differently off fibers leaning toward and away from you.

Grain direction and seam placement

• Point the grain toward the spot the lawn is most viewed from, usually the house or patio. Fibers leaning toward you look fuller and greener.
• Keep seams out of the main walking line and away from where dogs turn and dig.
• Never run a seam along the bottom of a slope where water collects; see slopes and hills.
• For L shapes and curves, split the area into rectangles, plan each one, and keep all grain arrows aligned on your sketch before ordering.

What to order beyond the calculation

Add one strip-length allowance of 1 to 2 feet if you are new to this; squaring a cut end is harder on a heavy roll than it looks. Order seam tape equal to your seam length plus 10%, and adhesive by the manufacturer's coverage per tub. Our tools and materials checklist lists everything else, and the base material calculator handles the rock.

Frequently asked questions

What roll widths does artificial turf come in?

Landscape turf is most commonly made in 15 ft widths, with some products in 12 ft. Some putting and specialty surfaces come narrower. Wider rolls mean fewer seams, but they are heavy (a 15 x 30 ft roll of landscape turf can weigh several hundred pounds), so plan for enough hands.

Can I order an exact length?

Most suppliers cut to length by the linear foot, sometimes with a minimum. Big-box stores sell some products in fixed precut sizes, which can force extra waste or extra seams. See big-box vs specialty turf.

Is 25% waste normal?

On small or awkward areas, yes. Waste of 10 to 15% is typical for large rectangles that fit the roll width well, but a yard just over one roll width will always waste a lot. Sometimes redesigning a border by a foot saves an entire strip.

Should seams run toward or across the main view?

Seams are least visible when they run in the same direction you usually look, rather than straight across your line of sight, and when the grain on both sides points the same way. A well-made seam is hard to see from either direction.

Does the calculator handle irregular shapes?

It assumes a rectangle. For irregular areas, break the plan into rectangles, run each through the calculator, then look for ways to cut several small pieces from one strip. Keep every piece's grain arrow pointing the same direction.