How Much Sod Do I Need?
Calculate sod rolls and pallets for your lawn. Subtract areas for patios, driveways, or gardens.
Quick Answer
One sod roll covers 10 sq ft (2' × 5') and one pallet covers ~500 sq ft. For a 1,000 sq ft lawn, you need about 105 rolls (2.1 pallets) with 5% waste, costing $350–$800.
Lawn Area
Subtract Area (optional — patio, driveway, etc.)
Enter your lawn dimensions to calculate sod needed.
💡 1 standard sod roll covers 10 sq ft (2' × 5'). 1 pallet ≈ 500 sq ft.
How to Calculate Sod Needed
Formula
Total Area (ft²) × 1.05 ÷ 10 = Rolls Needed
Measure your lawn's length and width. Subtract any areas you don't need (patios, driveways, gardens). Add 5% for waste from trimming and fitting. Divide by 10 sq ft per roll for roll count, or by 500 for pallet count.
Example
For a 50 ft × 30 ft lawn (1,500 sq ft) minus a 10 × 20 ft patio (200 sq ft): Net = 1,300 sq ft. With 5% waste = 1,365 sq ft. That's 137 rolls or about 2.7 pallets.
Tips & Best Practices
- •Prep soil with 2 inches of quality topsoil and rake smooth before laying sod.
- •Install sod within 24 hours of delivery — it starts dying quickly in the heat.
- •Stagger sod rows like bricks for a seamless look and better root establishment.
- •Water heavily for the first 2 weeks: keep the soil moist at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does sod cost?+
Sod typically costs $0.35–$0.80 per sq ft, or $175–$400 per pallet (500 sq ft). Bermuda and fescue are on the lower end; premium varieties like zoysia cost more. Delivery adds $50–$150.
How many square feet of sod on a pallet?+
A standard pallet contains approximately 450–500 sq ft of sod (about 50 rolls). Pallet size varies by supplier — always confirm before ordering.
How much topsoil do I need under sod?+
Apply 2 inches of quality topsoil and rake smooth before laying sod. For 1,000 sq ft, that's about 6.2 cubic yards of topsoil.
When is the best time to lay sod?+
Early fall or spring is ideal. Avoid extreme heat (above 90°F) and freezing temperatures. Sod can be laid year-round in mild climates with proper watering.
Common Sod Projects
Want a professional to handle this?
Compare quotes from local lawn care pros to see pricing and availability for sod installation in your area.
Get Local Quotes →How Much Sod Do I Need for My Yard?
Measure your lawn's length and width in feet, multiply to get total square footage, and add 5–10% for waste. A standard sod roll covers about 10 square feet.
Below are common lawn sizes with sod roll and pallet estimates to help you plan your order.
| Lawn Size | Sod Rolls | Pallets | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | ~55 rolls | ~1.1 pallets | $150–$425 |
| 1,000 sq ft | ~110 rolls | ~2.2 pallets | $300–$850 |
| 2,500 sq ft | ~275 rolls | ~5.5 pallets | $750–$2,125 |
| 5,000 sq ft | ~550 rolls | ~11 pallets | $1,500–$4,250 |
Roll counts include 10% waste. Pallet coverage varies by supplier (typically 450–500 sq ft per pallet).
How Much Does Sod Cost?
Sod costs $0.30–$0.85 per square foot, or $150–$400 per pallet. Professional installation adds $1–$2 per square foot.
Cost varies by grass type, your region, and order size. Buying full pallets is cheaper per square foot than partial orders.
Bermuda Grass Sod
$0.30–$0.55/sq ft. Warm-season grass, drought-tolerant, great for full-sun lawns in southern states. Very durable.
Fescue Sod
$0.35–$0.65/sq ft. Cool-season grass, shade-tolerant, ideal for transition zones. Stays green year-round in mild climates.
Kentucky Bluegrass Sod
$0.40–$0.75/sq ft. Premium cool-season grass with a rich dark green color. Needs more water and maintenance.
Zoysia Sod
$0.50–$0.85/sq ft. Warm-season grass with a thick, carpet-like feel. Slow-growing but extremely low maintenance once established.
Preparing Soil Before Laying Sod
Good soil prep is the most important step for a healthy sod lawn. Add 2–4 inches of quality topsoil if your existing soil is poor or compacted.
Follow these steps for the best sod establishment:
Need topsoil under sod? Estimate topsoil needed → or read our topsoil depth & cost guide.