Complete User Guide: Lawn Area Calculator

What It Does

Calculate your lawn size accurately to determine:

• Square footage for product applications
• Grass seed quantities
• Fertilizer amounts
• Sod/turf requirements
• Water needs
• Cost estimates

How to Use

Step 1: Select Lawn Shape

Rectangle/Square:

• Most common lawn shape
• Measure length × width

Circle/Oval:

• Round or oval lawns
• Measure diameter

Triangle:

• Triangular lawns
• Measure base × height

Irregular:

• Complex shapes
• Break into multiple sections

Step 2: Enter Measurements

For Rectangle:

• Length: Longest measurement
• Width: Widest measurement

For Circle:

• Diameter: Distance across widest part

For Triangle:

• Base: Bottom edge length
• Height: Perpendicular height from base

For Irregular:

• Add multiple rectangular sections
• Enter length/width for each
• Calculator sums all sections

Step 3: Calculate

Click “Calculate Area” to see:

• Total square feet
• Square meters
• Acres
• Products needed

Product Calculations

Grass Seed:

textNew Lawn: 5-6 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Overseeding: 3-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Spot Repair: 5-7 lbs per 1,000 sq ft

Example: 5,000 sq ft overseeding
= (5,000 ÷ 1,000) × 4 lbs
= 20 lbs grass seed

Fertilizer:

textStandard Application: 4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Heavy Feed: 5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft

Example: 5,000 sq ft lawn
= (5,000 ÷ 1,000) × 4 lbs
= 20 lbs fertilizer

Sod/Turf:

text1 Pallet = 450-500 sq ft
1 Roll = 10 sq ft (2 ft × 5 ft)

Example: 5,000 sq ft
= 5,000 ÷ 500
= 10 pallets

Water:

text1 inch water = 0.62 gallons per sq ft
Weekly need: 1-1.5 inches

Example: 5,000 sq ft, 1.25 inches/week
= 5,000 × 0.62 × 1.25
= 3,875 gallons per week

Measurement Guide

Tools Needed:

Measuring Wheel:

• Best for large lawns
• Roll along perimeter
• Reads distance automatically

Tape Measure:

• Good for small areas
• 100 ft tape recommended
• Mark endpoints clearly

Google Maps/Satellite:

• Aerial view estimation
• Use ruler tool
• Good for initial estimate

Pacing Method:

• Average pace = 2.5-3 feet
• Count steps
• Multiply by stride length

Tips for Accuracy

✅ Measure twice – Verify measurements
✅ Use stakes – Mark corners clearly
✅ Exclude non-grass – Patios, driveways, beds
✅ Account for slopes – Add 10-15% for hills
✅ Add 5-10% extra – For waste and overlap
✅ Record measurements – Save for future use

Application Rates Table

Cost Estimates

Per 1,000 sq ft:

• Grass seed: $15-30
• Fertilizer: $10-25
• Sod: $300-600
• Lime: $8-15
• Professional mowing: $25-50

5,000 sq ft lawn annual costs:

• Fertilizer (4×/year): $200-500
• Overseeding (fall): $75-150
• Lime (1×/year): $40-75
• Total DIY: $315-725/year

This calculator provides everything needed for accurate lawn care planning and product purchasing!

Angelina Everly

Angelina Everly leads the editorial desk at Live Green Gardens, blending practical plant care, hands-on product testing, and approachable outdoor styling. She focuses on step-by-step how-tos, buyer’s guides, and small-space makeovers that work in real life and real budgets. When she’s not comparing pruning shears or setting up a drip kit, you’ll find her creating cozy corners with planters, solar lights, and pollinator-friendly picks—always with clear pros/cons and safety notes so you can buy once and garden happy.