Artificial Grass Cost Calculator
Estimate the installed cost of artificial turf from the area to cover and your material and labor rates per square foot.
How this calculator works
Artificial grass installation is typically priced per square foot, split into a material rate (the turf product itself) and a labor rate (installation, including base prep). This calculator multiplies your project area by each rate separately, then adds the two together for a total installed cost.
Formula: Total cost = area × material rate per sq ft + area × labor rate per sq ft.
Worked example
A 25 ft × 20 ft area (500 sq ft), $8/sq ft material, $4/sq ft labor:
- Area: 25 × 20 = 500 sq ft
- Material: 500 × $8 = $4,000
- Labor: 500 × $4 = $2,000
- Total estimated cost: $6,000
Notes
Artificial turf costs far more upfront than sod, but it has no watering, mowing, or fertilizing cost afterward. Whether the total cost comparison favors turf or sod over time depends heavily on how many years you plan to own the property, since turf’s advantage comes from avoided ongoing costs rather than a lower purchase price.
A realistic installed rate includes base preparation, not just the turf material. Grading the area, laying a weed barrier, and adding a crushed stone base for drainage and stability are all part of a proper installation — skipping this prep to cut cost upfront is a common way artificial grass installations end up with drainage problems or a shortened lifespan.
How to use
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover to get its square footage, then enter a material rate and a labor rate per square foot based on quotes for the turf product and installation you’re considering. The calculator returns the material cost, labor cost, and total installed cost.
Estimates only. Actual cost depends on your region, turf quality, and base preparation needed — get a contractor quote before budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
Why does artificial grass cost so much more upfront than sod?
Artificial turf is a manufactured product with a base preparation process — grading, a weed barrier, and a crushed stone base — built into a realistic installed price, not just the cost of the turf roll itself. Sod is a living material with a much lower material and installation cost, which is why the upfront gap between the two is so large.
Does artificial grass save money in the long run?
It can, since turf has no ongoing watering, mowing, or fertilizing cost once installed. Whether it pays off compared to sod depends on how many years you plan to own the property and keep the lawn — the longer you stay, the more those avoided ongoing costs offset the higher upfront price.
What's included in a realistic artificial grass installed rate?
A realistic installed rate covers more than the turf material itself — it includes base prep such as grading the area, laying a weed barrier, and adding a crushed stone base for drainage and stability. Skipping proper base prep to save money upfront often leads to drainage problems and a shorter turf lifespan.
How long does artificial turf typically last?
Quality varies a lot by product, so lifespan isn't a fixed number this calculator can state — check the manufacturer's warranty and product specs for the turf you're considering. Proper base preparation and drainage, not just the turf material, play a large role in how long an installation holds up.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.