How much lawn will my sod cover?
Enter the pallets, rolls or slabs you have to see the lawn size they cover.
How the sod calculator works
The calculator turns every zone you enter into square feet, adds the lawn zones together, subtracts any cut-outs, adds a waste allowance and then divides by the coverage of a pallet, slab or roll. Everything rounds up, because you cannot buy a fraction of a pallet.
Sod to order = Area × (1 + waste %)
Pallets = Sod to order ÷ sq ft per pallet, rounded up
Area formulas used for each shape
| Shape | Formula |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | length × width |
| Circle | π × (diameter ÷ 2)² |
| Triangle | ½ × base × height |
| Known area | entered directly in sq ft (or sq m if you chose meters) |
Worked examples
Example 1: a simple back lawn, 20 ft by 30 ft
20 × 30 = 600 sq ft. A straight-edged lawn needs about 5% extra, so 600 × 1.05 = 630 sq ft. At 450 sq ft per pallet that is 1.4 pallets, so you order 2 pallets. If your farm sells loose slabs, 1 pallet plus 180 sq ft (68 slabs of 2.67 sq ft) also covers it.
Example 2: a round lawn, 24 ft across
Radius is 12 ft, so area = π × 12² = 452.4 sq ft. Curves mean more trimming, so add 10%: 497.6 sq ft. That is 1 pallet (450 sq ft) plus 47.6 sq ft, or 18 slabs, or 2 pallets if you want the simple order.
Example 3: front yard with a side strip and a flower bed
Front yard 40 × 25 ft = 1,000 sq ft. Side strip 60 × 4 ft = 240 sq ft. Round flower bed 8 ft across: π × 4² = 50.3 sq ft, entered as a cut-out. Net lawn = 1,000 + 240 − 50.3 = 1,189.7 sq ft. With 10% extra that is 1,308.7 sq ft, or 2.91 pallets, so you order 3 pallets.
How many pallets of sod do you need?
These figures assume 10% extra and 450 sq ft per pallet. Prices vary a lot by region, grass type and season, so the cost column uses $300 per pallet only as an example.
| Lawn size | With 10% extra | Pallets (rounded up) | Example cost at $300/pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 550 sq ft | 2 | $600 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,100 sq ft | 3 | $900 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,200 sq ft | 5 | $1,500 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 5,500 sq ft | 13 | $3,900 |
Delivery, tax and soil preparation are extra. Enter your own price above for a real estimate.
Sod slab and roll sizes
| Format | Typical size | Area each | About per 450 sq ft pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slab | 16 × 24 in | 2.67 sq ft | 169 |
| Roll | 2 × 5 ft | 10 sq ft | 45 |
These are common sizes, not a standard. Some farms cut bigger slabs or big rolls, so use the "Custom piece size" option if yours differ.
Mistakes that leave you short on sod
- Measuring only the big rectangle. Side strips, curved edges and corners add up. Add each as its own zone.
- Forgetting waste. Cutting around beds, paths and trees wastes pieces. Order extra rather than waiting a week for a top-up and a patch that browns.
- Mixing units. Pick feet, yards or meters once at the top so every dimension uses the same unit.
- Assuming every pallet is 450 sq ft. Ask your farm and enter their number.
- Ordering before the soil is ready. Sod should go down quickly after delivery, so prepare the ground first.
Tips for buying and laying sod
- Warm-season grasses (such as Bermuda and Zoysia) are usually laid in late spring or early summer. Cool-season grasses (such as fescue and bluegrass) usually do best in early fall or spring.
- Water right after laying and keep the sod moist until roots take hold, following your farm's advice.
- Stagger the joints like bricks and press the edges together with no gaps.
- Roll or tamp lightly for good contact with the soil.
How many rolls, slabs or pallets for my lawn size?
This table uses rolls of 10 square feet, slabs of 2.67 square feet (16 by 24 inches) and 450 square feet per pallet. Sizes vary by farm, so confirm with your supplier.
| Lawn size | Rolls | Slabs | Pallets | Pallets to order with 10% extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 10 | 38 | 0.22 | 1 |
| 250 sq ft | 25 | 94 | 0.56 | 1 |
| 500 sq ft | 50 | 188 | 1.11 | 2 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 100 | 375 | 2.22 | 3 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 200 | 750 | 4.44 | 5 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 500 | 1,875 | 11.11 | 13 |
Many farms sell loose slabs or rolls for the leftover part of a pallet, so 1,000 sq ft with 10% extra can be 2 pallets plus about 75 slabs.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
Most pallets cover about 400 to 500 square feet, and 450 square feet is a common figure. It varies by farm and grass type, so ask your supplier. You can change the pallet size in the calculator.
How much extra sod should I order?
Around 5% extra for a simple rectangular lawn, 10% for lawns with curves or angles, and 10 to 15% for yards with many beds, trees or odd corners. The calculator suggests a number from your shapes and lets you override it.
What is the difference between sod slabs and rolls?
Slabs are short rectangular pieces, often around 16 by 24 inches (about 2.67 square feet). Rolls are longer strips, often around 2 by 5 feet (10 square feet). Sizes vary by farm, and a pallet holds the same area whichever format is used.
How many pallets of sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?
With 10% extra you need 1,100 square feet of sod. At 450 square feet per pallet that is 2.44 pallets, so you would order 3 pallets, or 2 pallets plus about 75 loose slabs if your farm sells them.
How much does a pallet of sod weigh?
Suppliers commonly report roughly 500 to 800 pounds per pallet, depending on grass type and how wet the sod is. Plan for a flat, firm drop spot with truck access, and confirm the weight with your farm.
How soon should sod be laid after delivery?
As soon as possible, ideally the same day and usually within a day or two. Sod is alive and can heat up and dry out on the pallet, especially in warm weather. Have the soil prepared before the truck arrives.
Can I lay sod over dirt?
Yes, sod goes on bare soil, but the soil has to be prepared. Loosen the top few inches, pull out weeds, stones and debris, rake it level and water it before you lay the pieces. Sod laid on hard, compacted or dusty ground struggles to root.
How many rolls of sod do I need for 100 square feet?
A roll of 2 by 5 feet covers 10 square feet, so 100 square feet is 10 rolls. With 10% extra for cuts, order 11 rolls. If your farm sells rolls of a different size, divide your area by that size instead.
How much will 500 square feet of sod cover?
500 square feet of sod covers a 500 square foot lawn, for example 20 by 25 feet. With 10% extra you order 550 square feet, which is about 1.2 pallets at 450 square feet each, so 2 pallets or 1 pallet plus about 100 square feet of loose pieces.
How many square feet do 2 pallets of sod cover?
At 450 square feet per pallet, 2 pallets cover about 900 square feet. Farms range from about 400 to 500 square feet per pallet, so the real figure is between 800 and 1,000 square feet.
How long does it take to lay a pallet of sod?
As a rough planning guide, one person on flat, prepared ground might need 2 to 4 hours for a pallet, and two people about half that. Slopes, cuts around beds and hot weather slow it down. Lay it the day it arrives, and ask a friend to help.
Is it better to lay sod in spring or fall?
Both work. Cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass do best in early fall or spring. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia and St. Augustine root best in late spring through early summer, when the weather is warm. You can lay sod in summer if you can water it often.
How much does 1,000 square feet of sod cost?
It depends on the grass and your area, so use your supplier’s price. As an example only, with 10% extra you buy 1,100 square feet. At $0.50 per square foot that is $550 before delivery, and at $0.80 it is $880. Enter your own price in the calculator to see the total.
Is it cheaper to lay sod or seed?
Seed costs less to buy, often a fraction of the price per square foot. Sod costs more up front, but you get a usable lawn in weeks instead of months, with fewer weeds and less washout on slopes. Seed also needs weeks of careful watering before it fills in.
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