NorthLawn

NorthLawn planning toolbox

Free landscaping tools that turn measurements into a plan.

Measure a yard, plan turf rolls, estimate excavation and drainage, build a project budget, or calculate landscape materials. Each calculator publishes its assumptions and formula.

Eleven practical tools from first measurement through material planning.

Results update immediately and use the measurements, prices and operating information you enter. They remain planning estimates because site conditions, product specifications, compaction, irregular cuts and supplier units vary.

Calculator update date: August 28, 2026. Formulas, assumptions and worked examples are published on each calculator page.

Homeowner project planning

Complete DIY takeoffDIY turf material calculatorEstimate turf, excavation, base, infill, fasteners and seam tape. MeasureYard area calculatorCombine common shapes and subtract existing features. Plan turfTurf roll layoutEstimate cuts, order area, offcuts and seam tape. PrepareExcavation and removalCalculate loose volume, wheelbarrows and disposal loads. BudgetProject cost plannerCombine your current quotes, allowances and taxes. DrainageDrainage trench materialsEstimate excavation, clear stone, fabric and pipe.
01

Bulk material calculator

Estimate cubic yards and approximate metric tonnes for topsoil, mulch, sand, gravel or crusher run.

Calculated volume6.17 yd³
Suggested order6.79 yd³
Approximate weight10.5 t

Weight uses a typical loose bulk density and can vary with moisture, gradation and supplier. Ask whether your supplier sells by cubic yard or tonne.

Open the full formula and worked example →

02

Artificial turf estimator

Calculate turf coverage, perimeter and a preliminary aggregate-base quantity for a rectangular area.

Measured area600 ft²
Turf to plan for660 ft²
Base material8.15 yd³

This simple rectangle estimate does not create a roll layout. Actual waste depends on roll width, grain direction, seams, curves and cutouts. Base volume includes a 10% ordering allowance.

Open the full turf planning guide →

03

Paver and base calculator

Estimate the number of rectangular pavers, compacted base and one inch of bedding sand.

Pavers to order990
Base material2.72 yd³
Bedding sand0.68 yd³

Paver quantity uses face dimensions only. Joint width, pattern, edge cuts and manufacturer coverage can change the count. Structural base depth should match soil, climate and intended load.

Open the formula and purchasing guide →

04

Drainage slope calculator

Convert a target slope percentage into total fall over a measured run.

Total fall4.8 in
Metric fall122 mm
Equivalent ratio1:50

Slope is only one part of drainage. Confirm where water can discharge and avoid directing runoff toward foundations or neighbouring properties.

Open the slope formula and examples →

05

Plant spacing calculator

Estimate groundcover, perennial or small shrub quantities from bed area and on-centre spacing.

Base quantity54 plants
Suggested purchase57 plants
Coverage per plant2.25 ft²

Use the mature spacing recommended for the selected plant. Bed shape, edges, existing plants and desired fill-in time affect the final layout.

Open the spacing formula and layout guide →

Planning an artificial turf project?

Bring your measurements and estimates to NorthLawn for residential product and installation guidance.

Request residential guidance