How this calculator works
Turf is sold by the square metre, in rolls. The number of rolls is the lawn area, plus an allowance for cuts along the edges and around obstacles, divided by the area of one roll. Topsoil is the area multiplied by the depth you want, in metres.
Worked example: a 6 × 5 m lawn is 30 m². With 5% for cuts that is 31.5 m², so 32 rolls of 1 m² (0.45 of a pallet). Spreading 50 mm of topsoil takes 30 × 0.05 × 1.1 = 1.65 m³.
Tips before you buy
- Prepare the ground thoroughly: clear weeds, dig over, remove stones, level it, and firm it by treading. Rake in a pre-turfing fertiliser before you lay the turf.
- Lay turf in staggered rows like brickwork, butting the edges tightly, and cut the edges with a sharp knife. Avoid short strips along the edges, which dry out.
- Water it well straight after laying and keep it moist for the first few weeks, especially in dry weather, until the roots knit into the soil.
- Avoid walking on it for the first two to three weeks, and do not mow until it has rooted, usually after two to three weeks.
- The best times to lay turf are autumn and spring. In a hot, dry summer it needs a lot of watering, and you may not be allowed to water during a hosepipe ban.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How many rolls of turf do I need for a 6m x 5m lawn?
32 rolls of 1 m² turf with 5% for cuts. A pallet of about 70 m² would be more than you need.
How big is a roll of turf?
Most turf rolls in the UK cover 1 m², often 610 mm wide by 1640 mm long. Some growers sell larger rolls of 1.5 or 1.8 m², so check yours.
How much topsoil do I need under turf?
If the soil is poor, 25 to 50 mm spread and mixed in. A 30 m² lawn at 50 mm takes about 1.65 m³ with a little extra for settling.
When is the best time to lay turf?
In autumn and spring, when it is cooler and wetter and the turf roots quickly. Laying in summer is possible but needs a lot of watering.
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Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.