Sod Calculator
Work out how many rolls or pallets of sod your lawn needs — with a waste allowance, coverage table, and planning cost.
How to calculate sod
Sod is sold by the roll, pallet, or square foot. Measure the lawn in feet, multiply length by width, add a waste allowance, then divide by the coverage of one roll or pallet.
Length × width = square feet. Square feet × (1 + waste) = area to order. Area to order ÷ roll coverage = rolls. Divide by 500 for a typical pallet.
Example: a 40 × 50 ft lawn is 2,000 sq ft. With 10% waste, order 2,200 sq ft — about 220 rolls of 10 sq ft sod, or 5 pallets at 500 sq ft each.
Sod coverage chart
| Roll size | Coverage per roll | Rolls for 1,000 sq ft | Rolls per 500 sq ft pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 5 ft | 10 sq ft | 100 | 50 |
| 3 × 3 ft | 9 sq ft | 112 | 56 |
| 1.5 × 4.5 ft | 6.75 sq ft | 149 | 75 |
Numbers are rounded up. Confirm the actual roll size and pallet count with your supplier before ordering.
What sod costs in 2026
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sod material | $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft | Common fescue, Bermuda, or St. Augustine varies by region. |
| Installed sod | $0.90–$2.00 per sq ft | Includes grading, soil prep, and labor. |
| Pallet | $140–$300 | Usually 400–500 sq ft; confirm coverage. |
| Delivery | $50–$150 | Rush and minimum orders can cost more. |
The calculator uses $6 per 10 sq ft roll and $280 per 500 sq ft pallet as a planning default. That is not a quote; sod farms price by variety, season, and distance.
Before the sod arrives
- Remove weeds and debris, then till or loosen the top 4–6 inches.
- Add compost or topsoil if the grade is low; firm the soil and smooth it.
- Install sod within 24 hours of delivery and keep rolls in shade.
- Stagger seams, press the sod tight to the soil, and water immediately.
- Keep the first two weeks consistently moist, then reduce to deep watering.
Sod questions
The calculator rounds up, so you will not run short. For curved beds, add 10–15% and order the extra rolls in the same delivery. If you are replacing a lawn, confirm whether the supplier requires a minimum pallet order.
Frequently asked questions
How many rolls of sod do I need?
Multiply length by width to get square feet, add 10% for cuts and edges, then divide by the roll coverage. A standard 2 by 5 ft roll covers 10 sq ft, so a 2,000 sq ft lawn needs about 220 rolls.
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
Most pallets hold 400 to 500 sq ft. Confirm the pallet coverage with your supplier; a 500 sq ft pallet is common, but roll size and stacking vary by farm.
How much does sod cost per square foot?
Sod typically costs $0.30 to $0.60 per square foot for the material. Installed sod runs about $0.90 to $2.00 per square foot, including site prep, delivery, and labor.
How long does sod take to root?
Keep it consistently moist for the first two weeks. Light tugging should meet resistance after about 10 to 14 days in warm weather; full rooting usually takes three to four weeks.
Can I install sod myself?
Yes, if you can prepare the soil, move the rolls promptly, and water daily. The hard parts are grading, soil amendment, and keeping the seams tight. Order sod for delivery the same day you install it.
Should I add extra sod for waste?
Yes. Add 5% for simple rectangles and 10% for curved beds, multiple areas, or lots of cutting. Sod cannot be stretched, and a second delivery for a few rolls is expensive.