Calculators

Sod Calculator

Square feet, pallets and pieces of sod for a new lawn, with a waste allowance and the cost.

How it works

Measure the lawn's area, add a waste allowance for trimming around edges and beds, and divide by the coverage of one pallet. Pallets usually hold 400–500 sq ft, depending on the grass and the farm. Pieces are the same area divided by the size of one slab or roll.

pallets = ⌈area × (1 + waste) ÷ sq ft per pallet⌉
Waste
5% for a rectangle, 10% or more for curves
Pallet
Usually 400–500 sq ft
Slab
16 × 24 in, 2.67 sq ft; a roll is often 2 × 5 ft

Worked example

A 50 × 30 ft lawn, 5% waste, 450 sq ft pallets of 16 × 24 in slabs at $250 a pallet.

  1. 1Area: 50 × 30 = 1,500 sq ft
  2. 2With 5% waste: 1,575 sq ft
  3. 3Pallets: 1,575 ÷ 450 = 3.5, so 4
  4. 4Slabs: 1,575 ÷ 2.67 = 591

Order 1,575 sq ft: three and a half pallets' worth, or four full pallets at $1,000.

Frequently asked questions

How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?

Usually 400–500 sq ft, and 450 is common. It varies by grass type, region and the size of the pieces, so check with the farm or store before ordering. Some sell by the square foot or by the piece.

When is the best time to lay sod?

When the grass is actively growing: early autumn or spring for cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass, and late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia and St. Augustine. Avoid frozen ground and heat waves.

How do I prepare the ground for sod?

Remove the old grass and weeds, loosen the top 4–6 in of soil, work in compost if the soil is poor, and rake it level about an inch below paths and edging. Roll it lightly and water it the day before so the sod goes onto moist, firm soil.

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