How to Measure Your Sod for the Perfect Lawn

You need the right amount of sod for a successful lawn installation. Measuring your lawn accurately ensures you order the correct quantity, reducing waste and saving money. Follow these simple steps to measure your lawn like a pro.

Quick Measuring Tip: Use Google Maps

A quick way to measure the area you want to install sod on is to use Google Maps’ “measure distance” tool. This won’t be as accurate as measuring by hand, but it’s a good, fast way to plan for your project, especially if you’re away from home, or your lawn is covered in snow when you are looking to request a quote.

First, Google your home or business’s address and on the map result click “open in Google Maps”
When Google Map opens, zoom into your home until it fills most of your screen
Then right click and select “measure distance”
Now click on each of the lawn’s corners in sequence until you can click on the original point
- sometimes trees or roof overhangs obscure the image of the area, so make your best guess
- when in doubt you can measure by hand
Google Maps will often calculate the area for you, but if doesn’t it will show the lengths between each 2 points, and you can calculate the area using those measurements
- if your target area is not easily measured using rectangle area calculations (length x width) sections and adding them up, then see part 3 below for other area calculation formulas

Physical Lawn Measuring Instructions

Step 1

Gather your tools

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools. A long, flexible tape measure will help you cover large areas accurately. Graph paper and a pencil allow you to sketch your lawn and organize your measurements efficiently. A calculator will make it easier to total up your square footage and avoid mistakes.

Step 2

Break your lawn into sections

Most yards are not perfect rectangles, so dividing your lawn into manageable shapes simplifies the measurement process. Identify and divide your lawn into recognizable shapes such as rectangles, squares, circles, or triangles. For irregular areas, break them down into smaller sections that are easier to measure individually.

Step 3

Measure and calculate square footage

Once you have identified the sections, measure the length and width of each. Multiply these numbers to find the area of rectangles and squares. For circles, measure the radius and use the formula π × r². Triangles require measuring the base and height and then dividing by two.

After calculating each section, add all the areas together to determine the total square footage of your lawn.

For example, if your front lawn measures 20 feet by 30 feet, that equals 600 square feet. If your side yard is 10 feet by 15 feet, that equals 150 square feet. Combined, you will need 750 square feet of sod.

Use our online sod calculator to make it even easier!

Step 4

Add extra for waste

It is always a good idea to order more sod than your exact measurement. Adding 5 to 10 percent extra ensures you have enough for cutting and shaping around curves, flower beds, or pathways. This prevents last-minute shortages and gives you flexibility during installation.

Step 5

Place your sod order

Now that you have your total square footage, you are ready to order. Monarch Sod offers premium sod varieties to suit your needs.

Order your sod now!

Need help?

Contact our experts for assistance in choosing and measuring your sod accurately!

How to Measure Your Sod for the Perfect Lawn