How to use the lawn measuring tool
- Open the satellite map and search for the property address.
- Zoom in until the edges of the project area are easy to distinguish.
- Click around the outside edge of the first section and select Finish area.
- Add separate sections instead of drawing across buildings, pavement, pools, or other excluded spaces.
- Drag the white editing handles to refine the outline, then copy the combined yard square footage.
What the free yard measuring tool gives you
Every finished section is listed separately and included in one combined total. Results are shown in the units contractors and homeowners commonly need for outdoor project planning.
| Result | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Square feet | Material calculators, estimating, and customer proposals |
| Square yards | Landscape material and surface-area comparisons |
| Acres | Large lawns, lots, and treatment areas |
| Square meters | Metric product specifications and project records |
Project ideas
What can you measure on the satellite map?
Use the map for visible, roughly horizontal outdoor areas. Outline separate sections when a project wraps around buildings, pavement, pools, or planting beds.
Lawns and sod
Estimate turf area before planning sod, seed, fertilizer, irrigation coverage, or a layer of new soil.
Calculate topsoil →Garden beds
Trace beds and landscaped islands before estimating mulch, topsoil, gravel, or ground cover.
Calculate mulch →Driveways and gravel
Outline driveways, paths, parking areas, and other spaces that need a gravel quantity estimate.
Calculate gravel →Patios and hardscaping
Measure a patio, walkway, concrete pad, pool surround, or other planned hardscape footprint.
Property planning
Estimate visible lot sections, yards, play areas, pool footprints, decks, and other outdoor project zones.
Planning estimate—not a surveyFormula
How the area is calculated
Each point becomes a geographic coordinate. The closed polygon is measured on the Earth’s surface in square meters, then converted using 1 square meter = 10.7639 square feet, 9 square feet = 1 square yard, and 43,560 square feet = 1 acre.
Improve the measurement
Use more points along curves and irregular boundaries, but avoid placing unnecessary points along straight edges. Measure distinct project sections separately and exclude buildings, pavement, planting beds, pools, or other surfaces that are not part of the area you need.
Satellite imagery is a planning aid rather than a survey. Roof overhangs, shadows, tree canopy, slopes, image age, and map alignment can all introduce error.
Satellite measurement or an on-site measurement?
Use the method that matches the decision you need to make. A remote measurement is excellent for early planning, while some jobs still require field verification.
| Method | Best use | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite map | Fast remote estimates for visible, roughly level areas | Tree cover, shadows, image alignment, and slopes |
| On-site measurement | Final ordering and boundaries hidden in imagery | Travel time, access, and irregular grade |
| Property survey | Legal boundaries and decisions that require surveyed data | A calculator result is not a substitute for a survey |
Turn the measured area into a material estimate
The square-foot result is a starting point for planning topsoil, mulch, gravel, pavers, concrete, and other outdoor materials. Copy the result, open the appropriate YardMeasure calculator, and enter the material depth and waste allowance required for the project.
Measurement guides
Measure the shape you actually need.
Use the matching method for the surface, exclusions, and material involved in the job.
Privacy and map data
The map does not load until you choose to open it. Opening it connects your browser to Google Maps, and an address is sent to Google only when you perform a search. Searches and outlines are not saved to a YardMeasure account unless a signed-in contractor deliberately selects Save measurement. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Questions
Satellite Area Calculator FAQ
How do I measure my lawn with the satellite map?
Search for the property, zoom in, and click around the outside edge of each grassy section. Finish each polygon separately so buildings, driveways, patios, and garden beds are not included.
Can I measure more than one lawn section?
Yes. Finish the first area, select Add another area, and outline the next section. YardMeasure adds all finished areas into one total.
How accurate is a satellite lawn measurement?
It is a practical planning estimate. Accuracy depends on image alignment, tree cover, roof overhangs, slopes, image age, and where each point is placed. Verify important dimensions on site before ordering materials.
What projects can I measure with the satellite area calculator?
You can estimate visible outdoor areas for lawns, sod, seed, garden beds, mulch, topsoil, gravel, driveways, patios, pavers, concrete pads, pools, decks, and general property planning. Slopes, tree cover, roof overhangs, and hidden boundaries can affect the result, so verify important measurements on site.
Does YardMeasure save my address?
Searching does not save the address or outline to a YardMeasure account. When you search, the address is sent to Google Maps to locate the property. Signed-in contractors can deliberately select Save measurement to store the address and drawn areas with a property in their private workspace.