How Much Sod Do I Need?
Calculate sod rolls and pallets for your lawn. Subtract areas for patios, driveways, or gardens.
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.