Sod Calculator
Find out how much sod to order for your lawn, including waste, and how many rolls, slabs and pallets that makes.
Pallet size varies by farm, so check what your supplier delivers and update the pallet coverage above.
How to calculate how much sod you need
- Measure the lawn. For a rectangle, multiply the length by the width. For an irregular lawn, split it into simple shapes and add the areas.
- Add extra for waste. Cuts around beds, curves and corners mean you will not use every piece.
- Divide by the size of one piece to get rolls or slabs, and by the pallet coverage to get pallets. Always round up.
Sod to order (sq ft) = lawn area (sq ft) × (1 + waste %)
ExampleA lawn 40 ft by 30 ft is 1,200 sq ft. With 5% waste you need 1,260 sq ft. That is 126 standard rolls of 10 sq ft, or 3 pallets if one pallet covers about 450 sq ft (1,260 ÷ 450 = 2.8, rounded up).
Sod needed for common lawn sizes
This table adds 5% for waste and assumes standard 10 sq ft rolls and pallets that cover 450 sq ft. Your farm’s sizes may differ.
| Lawn area | Sod to order | Rolls (10 sq ft) | Pallets (450 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 525 sq ft | 53 | 2 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,050 sq ft | 105 | 3 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 1,575 sq ft | 158 | 4 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,100 sq ft | 210 | 5 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 2,625 sq ft | 263 | 6 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 5,250 sq ft | 525 | 12 |
Typical sod piece sizes
| Piece | Size | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard roll | 2 ft × 5 ft | 10 sq ft |
| Slab | 16 in × 24 in | about 2.67 sq ft |
Some farms sell other sizes. If yours does, choose Custom size and enter the coverage of one piece.
How to measure your lawn
- Sketch the lawn and split it into rectangles, triangles and circles.
- Measure each shape and work out its area. The area calculator handles each shape.
- Add the areas, and subtract beds, paths, patios and anything else that will not be sodded.
- Enter the total in the calculator using Total area.
Ordering and laying tips
- Order close to your install date. Sod is a living product and should be laid as soon as it arrives.
- Prepare the ground first: clear old turf and debris, level the area and rake it smooth. If you need to add soil, see the topsoil calculator.
- Confirm the roll size and pallet coverage with the farm, then update the numbers in the calculator.
- Water thoroughly after laying and follow the farm’s care instructions, since the right routine depends on the grass type and your climate.
Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter. Confirm quantities with your supplier, installer or contractor before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod is on a pallet?
It varies by grass type and farm. Pallets commonly cover somewhere around 400 to 500 square feet. The default of 450 sq ft is only a starting point, so confirm with your supplier.
How many rolls of sod are on a pallet?
With standard 10 sq ft rolls, a pallet that covers 450 sq ft holds 45 rolls. Roll and pallet sizes differ between farms.
How much extra sod should I order?
Around 5% for a simple rectangle and up to 10% or more for lawns with curves, many corners or tight edges.
How do I convert square feet to rolls of sod?
Divide your total area, including waste, by the area of one roll. With standard 10 sq ft rolls you need one roll for every 10 square feet, rounded up.
How do I measure a curved or irregular lawn?
Break it into rectangles, triangles and half circles, work out each area and add them. Then enter the total area.
How soon should sod be laid after delivery?
As soon as you can, ideally the day it arrives. Sod is a living product and dries out and heats up on the pallet.