Sod Calculator
Work out how much sod you need in square feet, rolls and pallets — with a waste factor for curves and cuts, plus the topsoil underneath and a cost estimate.
Beds, patio, driveway inside the measured area
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Enter a price per sq ft to estimate cost.
You might also need:Topsoil Calculator·Fill Dirt Calculator
How to measure for sod
pallets = sq ft ÷ 450 (typical pallet coverage)
A 40 × 25 ft back lawn is 1,000 sq ft; with 5% waste you need 1,050 sq ft — about 394 slabs or 2.3 pallets. Order 3 pallets or ask the farm about part-pallet pricing. For odd-shaped lawns, break the space into rectangles and circles, calculate each, and add them up.
Sod coverage quick reference
| Lawn size | Slabs (2.67 sq ft) | Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | ~197 | 1.2 |
| 1,000 sq ft | ~394 | 2.3 |
| 2,500 sq ft | ~983 | 5.8 |
| 5,000 sq ft | ~1,966 | 11.7 |
| 10,000 sq ft (¼ acre) | ~3,933 | 23.3 |
Laying it well
- Lay it the day it arrives: stacked sod heats up and can die on the pallet within 24–48 hours in summer.
- Stagger the seams like brickwork, butt edges tight without overlapping, and roll the finished lawn to press roots into soil contact.
- Prep the base first: 2–4 inches of good topsoil makes the difference between a lawn that establishes and one that struggles — size it with the topsoil calculator.
- Grading first? The fill dirt calculator covers raising low spots before topsoil goes down.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pallet of sod cover?+
A standard pallet covers 400–500 square feet, depending on the supplier and roll size. Most US pallets hold 165–180 rolls of 16 × 24 inch sod (2.67 sq ft each) for about 450 sq ft total. Always confirm coverage with your specific farm — it varies by region.
How much extra sod should I order?+
Add 5% for a simple rectangular lawn and 10% for curved beds, tree rings or awkward corners. Sod is cut to fit, and the offcuts from curves are rarely reusable. Running short means a second delivery fee for a handful of rolls.
How much does sod cost?+
Sod runs $0.35–$0.85 per square foot for common varieties, so a pallet is typically $150–$400 plus delivery. Professional installation roughly doubles it. Prices vary a lot by grass type — bermuda and fescue are cheaper than zoysia or St. Augustine.
How do I prepare the ground for sod?+
Kill existing weeds, till the top 4–6 inches, add 2–4 inches of quality topsoil if the soil is poor, level and lightly compact, then lay sod on moist soil. A soil test before you start tells you whether to add lime or fertilizer — cheap insurance for an expensive lawn.
How long does sod take to root?+
Roots begin anchoring in 10–14 days and are established at 4–6 weeks. Water daily (sometimes twice) for the first two weeks, then taper. Keep foot traffic off until you cannot lift a corner by hand — usually around the two-week mark.