Sod Calculator
Work out how much sod to order for a new lawn. Measure a rectangle, circle or triangle, or enter the area you already know, and this sod calculator gives you the square footage with waste, the number of slabs or rolls and how many pallets to order.
Your results will appear here.
How to use the sod calculator
- Choose the lawn shape that best matches your area. For an irregular lawn, split it into rectangles, circles and triangles, run each one and add them up.
- Enter the measurements in feet, or switch to metric if you measured in meters.
- Choose the piece size. Most farms sell 16 x 24 in slabs. Some sell 2 x 5 ft rolls.
- Enter the pallet coverage your supplier lists. It varies by farm and grass type.
- Set the waste allowance. About 5% is usually enough for simple shapes, and 10% for curves, beds and trees.
Sod area formulas
| Shape | Area formula |
|---|---|
| Rectangle or square | Length × Width |
| Circle | 3.1416 × (Diameter ÷ 2)² |
| Triangle | Base × Height ÷ 2 |
Sod to order = Lawn area × (1 + Waste % ÷ 100)
Pallets = Sod to order ÷ Coverage per pallet, rounded up
Worked example
A rectangular lawn measures 50 ft by 30 ft, with 5% waste, 16 x 24 in slabs and 450 sq ft per pallet:
- Lawn area: 50 × 30 = 1,500 sq ft
- With 5% waste: 1,500 × 1.05 = 1,575 sq ft
- Slabs: 1,575 ÷ 2.67 = 591 slabs
- Pallets: 1,575 ÷ 450 = 3.5, rounded up to 4 pallets
Sod piece and pallet sizes
| Piece | Size | Coverage each |
|---|---|---|
| Slab | 16 x 24 in | about 2.67 sq ft |
| Small roll | 2 x 5 ft | 10 sq ft |
Pallet coverage is not standard. Depending on the farm, grass type and piece size, a pallet may cover anywhere from a few hundred square feet to over 500 sq ft. This calculator uses 450 sq ft by default; always replace it with your supplier’s number.
Tips for laying sod
- Prepare the soil first. Remove old grass and weeds, loosen the top few inches of soil, rake it level and lightly water it before the sod arrives.
- Lay sod the day it arrives. Sod is a living plant and dries out quickly on the pallet, especially in warm weather.
- Stagger the seams like a brick pattern and push the edges tightly together without stretching or overlapping them.
- Start along a straight edge such as a driveway or sidewalk, and cut pieces with a sharp utility knife around curves.
- Water deeply right away so the soil under the sod is moist, then keep it moist until the roots take hold.
- Stay off the new lawn as much as you can for the first couple of weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need for 1,000 sq ft?
For 1,000 sq ft with 5% waste, order 1,050 sq ft of sod. That is about 394 slabs (16 x 24 in), or 3 pallets if each pallet covers 450 sq ft. Use your supplier's pallet coverage for an exact count.
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
It depends on the farm and grass type. Pallet coverage commonly ranges from a few hundred square feet to over 500 sq ft. Check with your supplier and enter that number in the calculator.
How much extra sod should I order?
Order about 5% extra for simple rectangular lawns and about 10% for curved edges, garden beds and areas with many trees or obstacles.
How big is a slab of sod?
A standard sod slab is 16 x 24 in, which covers about 2.67 sq ft. Some suppliers sell rolls instead, often 2 x 5 ft or 10 sq ft each.
Can I lay sod in summer?
You can, but sod needs much more water in hot weather. Spring and early fall are easier because temperatures are milder and roots establish faster.
Sources and methodology
The formulas on this page were written and checked by the HomeQuantly Team against the worked examples shown above. Results are estimates for planning; always confirm measurements on site before you buy materials.