Sod Calculator

Sod rolls and pallets for a new lawn, with waste factor.

How the sod estimate works

Standard sod rolls measure about 16 by 24 inches — roughly 10 square feet each — and pallets carry about 500 square feet (roughly 50–60 rolls, varying by farm). The calculator converts your lawn area to rolls and pallets with a 5–10% waste factor for shaping around beds and walks.

Rolls = ceil( area x (1 + waste%) / 10 )
Pallets = ceil( area x (1 + waste%) / 500 )

Sod is a clock, not a stock item

Cut sod starts drying the moment it leaves the field. The working rule: lay sod within 24 hours of delivery, and in summer heat within hours. Order for the day you can lay it — not earlier — and prepare the soil first: grade, rake, and water the bare ground lightly before the first roll goes down.

Recommended tools & supplies

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Use cases

New-build lawn - measure the plan, order per phase so nothing waits on pallets.
Dog-yard repair - patch worn runs with cut pieces; one pallet covers a lot of repairs.
Seeding rescue - replace the thin front strip instead of reseeding a whole season.
Full re-lawn - kill old turf, wait for die-back, then measure for the clean area.

Frequently asked questions

How much area does a pallet of sod cover?

About 500 square feet on a standard pallet — roughly 50 to 60 rolls depending on the farm's roll size. Some regional farms ship 400-sq-ft pallets, so confirm with the supplier.

When is the best time to lay sod?

Cool-season grasses root best in early fall or spring; warm-season sod establishes fastest in late spring through summer. The real rule: avoid laying during heat waves, and water newly laid sod daily for the first two weeks.

Estimates only. Roll sizes vary by farm (some ship 5, 9 or 10 sq ft rolls) — confirm the roll size before ordering.

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Ordering and laying sod

How to use this calculator

Sketch the lawn and measure its length and width; split odd shapes into rectangles and add the areas.

Enter the total area with a 5–10% waste factor for curves and cut pieces.

Prepare the soil before ordering: grade, remove debris, rake smooth — sod shows every bump beneath it.

Order for same-day or next-day laying; pallets waiting on a driveway in July cook from the center out.

Lay rolls in a brick pattern (staggered joints), water daily for two weeks, then taper.

Quick reference

Unit	Coverage	Notes
Roll (16 x 24 in)	~10 sq ft	Standard cut; some farms differ
Pallet	~500 sq ft	Confirm pallet size regionally
Half pallet	~250 sq ft	Small-lawns option where offered
1,000 sq ft lawn	~2 pallets + rolls	A morning's work for two people

Pro tips

Butt roll ends tightly against each other, never overlapping — overlaps dry out and show brown lines.
Water within 30 minutes of laying the first section on hot days; sod that curls at the edges is already thirsty.
Roll the lawn with a water-filled lawn roller after laying to press roots into soil contact.

Frequently asked questions

Sod or seed?

Sod gives an instant, erosion-proof lawn at several times the seed cost. Seed wins on budget for large areas and is best in fall; sod wins on speed, slopes and curb appeal.

Can I lay sod over existing grass?

No. Old turf blocks root contact with soil and rots beneath the new sod. Strip or kill the old lawn first — it is the unglamorous step that decides the result.

How soon can I mow new sod?

Wait until the sod has rooted — about two to three weeks, when a tug resists lifting — then mow high (top third rule) with sharp blades.