Enter the area you want to cover, pick a turf quality and describe the site. The calculator returns an installed price range based on published 2026 cost-guide data, not a quote.
Most homeowners pay $3,200–$8,700 for a typical backyard project. For price tables by turf type and yard size, read our artificial turf installation cost guide, or compare with natural grass in our sod installation cost guide.
Calculator
Typical results
For reference, typical installed results reported in 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 300 sq. ft. side yard or dog run | $1,800–$6,000 | Average about $3,820 (Lawn Love) |
| 500 sq. ft. backyard, mid-range turf | $3,200–$8,700 | Angi average about $5,800 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. lawn | $6,000–$20,000 | Premium turf and complex sites at the top |
What goes into the estimate
- Area. Turf is priced per square foot, so the area you enter drives the result. Very small areas may hit a contractor's minimum charge, so expect small jobs to price near the top of the range.
- Turf quality. Turf alone costs about $2–$8 per sq. ft. Polypropylene is cheapest, polyethylene is the common middle choice, and nylon or dense pet turf costs the most. Installed, that becomes roughly $6–$20 per sq. ft.
- Base preparation. Excavation, a compacted crushed-rock base, weed barrier and infill make up much of the labor charge of about $4–$9 per sq. ft. Removing existing grass adds about $1–$2.75 per sq. ft.; curves add 15%–20% and slopes 50%–60%.
- Region. Labor rates differ by market: LawnStarter reports mid-range installs from about $12–$15 per sq. ft. in Gilbert, Arizona to $17–$23 in New York. Use the region selector to adjust.
How we built the ranges
Installed prices per square foot combine Angi's 2026 turf material ranges by fiber type ($2–$5 polypropylene, $2–$7 polyethylene, $5–$8 nylon; updated September 2026) with its labor range of $4–$9 per sq. ft., cross-checked against Lawn Love ($5.45–$20, average $12.75) and HomeGuide ($10–$25). Curve and slope adjustments use LawnStarter's 15%–20% and 50%–60% figures (updated October 2026); drainage comes from HomeGuide, regrading from Angi and edging from LawnStarter. The grass-removal multiplier (×1.15) and the tier splits are WhatHomeCosts estimates derived from those ranges.
The result excludes tree removal, irrigation changes, putting-green features, padding over concrete, permits or HOA approval, and ongoing maintenance (about $250–$350 a year). Real quotes depend on an on-site look at soil, drainage and access; get at least three written quotes.
FAQ
How accurate is this artificial turf calculator?
It gives a realistic budget range based on national 2026 data, not a quote. Local labor rates, soil and drainage conditions and the exact turf product can move a real price outside the range.
Does the estimate include removing my old lawn?
Only if you choose "Existing grass to remove and haul away". Many installers price removal separately at about $1–$2.75 per sq. ft., so check that it's in each quote.
This tool gives a rough estimate only. Get at least three written quotes for your project.
For a full breakdown of prices, read our complete artificial turf installation cost guide.
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost to Install? [2026 Data] (updated Sep 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- LawnStarter — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in 2026? (updated Oct 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Lawn Love — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in 2026? (updated Dec 27, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost? (2026) (Oct 21, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all tools & calculators cost guides.