How to calculate how much sod you need
Sod is sold by area, so the maths is simpler than for bulk materials. Measure your lawn, work out the area in square feet, add a waste allowance and divide by the size of a roll or pallet.
Area to order (sq ft) = lawn area × (1 + waste %)
Rolls = area to order ÷ roll size (default 10 sq ft)
Pallets = area to order ÷ pallet size (default 450 sq ft)
For a rectangle multiply length by width. For a circle use π × radius², and for a triangle use base × height ÷ 2. If your lawn is an irregular shape, divide it into simple shapes, calculate each one and add the areas together. Do not include the house, driveway or planting beds in the measurement.
Example: a 40 ft × 25 ft lawn
- Area: 40 × 25 = 1,000 sq ft
- Add 5% waste: 1,000 × 1.05 = 1,050 sq ft
- Rolls at 10 sq ft each: 1,050 ÷ 10 = 105 rolls
- Pallets at 450 sq ft each: 1,050 ÷ 450 = 2.33 pallets
In whole units that is 2 full pallets (900 sq ft) plus 15 rolls. If your supplier only sells whole pallets, order 3.
How much waste should you allow?
A waste allowance of 5% suits a simple rectangular lawn, because the only waste is the occasional trimmed edge. Use 10% if the lawn has many curves, diagonal cuts or tight corners, or if you are a first-time installer. Running out halfway through is a bigger problem than having a few spare rolls: sod dries out quickly, and a second delivery may come from a different harvest with a slightly different colour. The allowance in the calculator is adjustable, so change it to suit your lawn.
Sod roll and pallet sizes
Many growers cut sod into rolls that are 2 ft × 5 ft, which is 10 sq ft, and a pallet usually holds 450 to 500 sq ft. Some farms sell slabs, big rolls or different dimensions, so the roll and pallet sizes in the calculator are editable. Always confirm the actual coverage with your supplier before you order. The table below uses 10 sq ft rolls, 450 sq ft pallets and a 5% waste allowance.
| Lawn area | Area to order | Rolls | Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 525 sq ft | 53 | 1.17 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,050 sq ft | 105 | 2.33 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,100 sq ft | 210 | 4.67 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 5,250 sq ft | 525 | 11.67 |
Tips for laying sod
Order so that delivery lands the day you plan to lay, and aim to install within about 24 hours, since sod stacked on a pallet heats up and deteriorates. Prepare the soil first: rake it level, remove stones and weeds, and consider spreading a few inches of quality soil (see the topsoil calculator). Stagger the seams like bricks, press the edges together tightly, and water thoroughly right after laying. If you would rather grow a lawn from seed, compare costs with the grass seed calculator. For soil volume in general, try the cubic yard calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
A typical pallet covers about 450 to 500 square feet, but it varies by grower and sod type. The calculator uses 450 sq ft by default and lets you change it.
How many rolls of sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?
With standard 10 sq ft rolls you need 100 rolls for exactly 1,000 sq ft, or 105 rolls once you add a 5% waste allowance.
How much extra sod should I buy?
Buy 5% extra for a simple rectangle and about 10% for lawns with curves, angles or obstacles. It is better to have a few spare rolls than to run short.
How do I measure an irregular lawn for sod?
Split the lawn into rectangles, circles and triangles, work out the area of each one, and add them together. Subtract any areas that will not be sodded, such as beds or paths.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass are usually laid in early fall or spring, while warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass and zoysia do best in late spring and summer. Avoid laying sod on frozen or waterlogged ground.
More free calculators
These calculators give estimates for planning only. Densities, bag sizes and coverage vary by supplier, so confirm quantities before you order.