Lawn calculator: How much sod or grass seed do you need?
A new lawn can be established with sod or sown from seed. The calculator shows the material need for both methods, so you can compare purchase quantities and the prices that apply to your project.
Worked example
- Method: Seed
- Area: 100 m²
- Seeding rate: 25 g/m²
- Pack size: 1 kg
Packs of seed
3
Needed 2.5 kg · surplus 0.5 kg because of the pack size
Soil, leveling and care are not included.
Use the stated coverage
Enter the area of the lawn, and subtract beds, paving and other surfaces. For sod, the area per roll and a visible allowance for cutting are used. For seed, the product's recommended amount per square meter is used.
New sowing and overseeding can require different amounts. Choose the use stated on the product rather than using one fixed seed rate for all tasks. Whole packs and any leftovers are shown separately.
Guide to planning the lawn
Check the base first
Work out whether topsoil must be added before the area can be established. That quantity is calculated separately. The material price of the grass alone does not describe the whole job with soil, leveling and later care.
Example with grass seed
With 100 m² and a chosen seed rate of 25 grams per m², the need is 2.5 kg. If the chosen product is only sold in 1 kg packs, three packs are needed. The surplus is a result of the packaging, not an extra calculated need.
Sod and seed do not give a finished, usable lawn at the same time. Watering, timing and establishment conditions matter for both solutions. So also compare delivery terms and your ability to look after the lawn after it is laid before choosing by purchase price alone.