Sod Calculator
Enter your lawn size to find out how much sod to order — in rolls for small patches or pallets for full lawns.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Sod is sold by the roll (2×5 ft = 10 sq ft) or the pallet (~450 sq ft, about 50 rolls). The math:
Order area = Lawn area × (1 + Waste)
- Waste: 5% for a clean rectangle, 10% with curves, 15% for irregular shapes — every angled cut wastes a strip.
- Timing is everything: lay sod the day it arrives. Stacked sod composts itself — it can die in 24–48 hours on a hot pallet.
- Prep: till 4–6 inches, rake level, and roll the soil before laying. Sod roots into loose soil, not compacted dirt.
- Watering: soak daily (twice in heat) for 2 weeks until it resists a gentle tug, then taper to deep weekly watering.
- Stagger joints like brickwork, and butt edges tight — gaps dry out and never fill in.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need?
Measure area, add waste (5–15%), divide by 450 for pallets or 10 for rolls. A 40×30 ft lawn is 1,200 sq ft → ~1,320 with waste → 3 pallets (or 132 rolls).
How big is a roll / pallet of sod?
A standard roll is 2×5 ft (10 sq ft). A pallet holds ~50 rolls ≈ 450–500 sq ft and weighs over a ton — have it forklifted to the work area.
How much does sod cost?
Roughly $0.30–0.80 per sq ft for the sod itself (varies by grass and region), plus delivery ($50–150). Installation doubles it if hired out.
Can sod be laid over existing grass?
Bad idea — the old grass rots underneath, creating a spongy layer the sod never roots through. Strip or till the old lawn first.
How soon can I walk on new sod?
Lightly after 2 weeks; normally after 3–4 weeks once roots grab (test with a gentle tug). Keep traffic off for the first month.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Early fall for cool-season grasses, late spring for warm-season. Avoid peak summer heat — sod dries faster than you can water it.
Why are there gaps between my sod pieces?
Sod shrinks as it dries. Butt pieces tight at install and water immediately — gaps wider than a finger rarely close on their own.
How do I handle slopes?
Lay across the slope (not down it) and stake pieces on steep grades. Water gently — runoff carves channels under fresh sod.
Sod vs seed — which is better?
Sod gives an instant lawn at ~10× the cost of seed. Seed is cheaper and roots deeper, but takes 2–3 months and needs constant moisture. Sod wins when you need it now.
How do I measure a curved lawn?
Break it into rectangles, triangles, and circles; add the areas. Or pace it off in a grid and count full vs partial squares. Round up — running short mid-job is worse than leftovers.