How to use this sod calculator
- Measure the lawn. Split curved or irregular lawns into rectangles.
- Keep 5% extra for cuts, 10% for curvy edges.
- Check with your supplier how many square feet are on a pallet (usually 400–500).
Example
A 50 × 30 ft lawn with 5% waste needs 1,575 sq ft of sod, which is about 591 pieces or 3.5 pallets of 450 sq ft.
What to know before you buy
Sod versus seed
Sod gives an instant lawn, controls erosion immediately and can be installed most of the growing season, but it costs much more than seed. Seed is cheaper and offers more grass varieties, but needs weeks of careful watering to establish.
Preparing the soil
Remove old grass and weeds, loosen the soil 4–6 inches deep, add topsoil or compost if needed and rake it level about an inch below walkways. Lightly roll the area so footprints are no deeper than 1/4 inch before laying the sod.
Sod needed for common lawn sizes (5% waste)
| Lawn | Sod needed | Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| 20 × 20 ft | 420 sq ft | 0.93 |
| 30 × 30 ft | 945 sq ft | 2.1 |
| 40 × 25 ft | 1,050 sq ft | 2.33 |
| 50 × 40 ft | 2,100 sq ft | 4.67 |
| 100 × 50 ft | 5,250 sq ft | 11.67 |
Formula
Sod = area × (1 + waste). A standard piece is 16 × 24 inches (2.67 sq ft).
Tips from the pros
- Prepare and level the soil before delivery; sod should be laid the same day.
- Stagger the seams like bricks and push the edges tightly together.
- Water deeply right after laying and keep the soil moist for the first two weeks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Laying sod on compacted, unprepared soil, which prevents rooting.
- Walking on new sod too early; wait until the roots have taken hold.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod is on a pallet?
Usually 400–500 square feet, depending on the farm and grass type.
How soon should sod be laid?
The same day it is delivered. Sod left rolled up can heat up and die within 24–48 hours.
How many pieces of sod are in a pallet?
Usually 150–180 pieces of 16 × 24 in, covering 400–500 sq ft.
How much does sod weigh?
A pallet of fresh sod typically weighs 2,000–3,000 lb depending on moisture and soil type.