Guide

How to measure lawn square footage

To measure lawn square footage, split the lawn into simple shapes, measure each one and add them up: a rectangle is length × width, a triangle is ½ × base × height, and a circle is 3.14 × radius². Then subtract beds, patios and anything else that isn't grass. Or outline the lawn on satellite imagery in a measuring tool and it calculates the area for you; treat that as an estimate and confirm on site.

Last updated October 12, 2026

Method 1: with a tape measure

1
Sketch the lawn
Draw the lawn's outline on paper and split it into rectangles, triangles and circles.
2
Measure each shape
Use a tape or measuring wheel for the length and width (or base and height, or radius) of each shape.
3
Calculate each area
Rectangle: length × width. Triangle: ½ × base × height. Circle: 3.14 × radius².
4
Add and subtract
Add the shapes together, then subtract beds, patios and other non-grass areas inside the lawn.

Area formulas for common lawn shapes
Shape	Formula	Example
Rectangle or square	length × width	60 ft × 30 ft = 1,800 sq ft
Right triangle	½ × base × height	½ × 20 ft × 12 ft = 120 sq ft
Circle	3.14 × radius²	3.14 × 4 ft × 4 ft ≈ 50 sq ft
Irregular curve	split into rectangles + triangles, or trace it	Trace on satellite imagery for best results

Worked example

An L-shaped back lawn: a 60 × 30 ft main rectangle plus a 20 × 15 ft side strip, with a round flower bed (4 ft radius) in the middle.

Main rectangle: 60 × 30 = 1,800 sq ft
Side strip: 20 × 15 = 300 sq ft
Minus the bed: 3.14 × 4² ≈ 50 sq ft
Lawn area ≈ 1,800 + 300 − 50 = 2,050 sq ft (about 190 m², or 0.047 acres)

Method 2: trace it on satellite imagery

For curved lawns and properties you haven't visited, tracing is faster than a tape. Search the address, tap around the edge of the lawn, and cut out beds or patios inside it; the area is calculated geodesically from your outline. Map tools that let you measure distances (Google Maps has one on desktop) work for simple rectangles too: measure the length and width and multiply.

Measure a lawn on satellite imageryFree, no signup. Results are estimates to confirm on site.

Common mistakes

Measuring the lot, not the lawn

A quarter-acre lot (about 10,890 sq ft) includes the house, driveway and beds. The mowable lawn is often much smaller.

Forgetting to subtract

Beds, tree rings, patios, sheds and play areas inside the lawn all come off the total.

Mixing feet and metres

Measure everything in one unit. 1 m² = 10.76 sq ft; 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft.

Trusting imagery blindly

Satellite photos can be months old, and tree canopy hides lawn edges. Confirm the area on site before ordering seed, sod or fertilizer.

Pricing a lawn once you know its size? Use the lawn mowing price calculator →

Lawn mowing calculator →

Price per visit from square feet.

Sod calculator →

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Mulch calculator →

Bed area to cubic yards.

Frequently asked questions

How many square feet is an acre?

43,560 sq ft. A quarter acre is about 10,890 sq ft and half an acre about 21,780 sq ft.

Can I measure my lawn from satellite imagery?

Yes. Search the address in a satellite measuring tool, tap around the lawn, and the area is calculated from the outline. It's an estimate: trees and shadows can hide edges, so confirm on site.

Do I measure the area under trees?

If grass grows there and you mow it, include it. On satellite imagery the canopy hides the ground, so estimate the edge and check it on site.

How do I convert square feet to square metres?

Divide by 10.764. For example, 2,000 sq ft ÷ 10.764 ≈ 186 m².

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