Sod Calculator
Square feet, rolls, and pallets of sod for a new lawn.
5% for simple rectangles, 10% for curves, slopes, and lots of edges.
You need
1,050 sq ft
Waste included. Sod farms sell by the square foot, roll, or pallet.
- Standard rolls (10 sq ft)
- 105 rolls
- Pallets (450 sq ft)
- 2.3 pallets
- Measured lawn area
- 1,000 sq ft
Estimates only. Verify quantities before ordering.
How this is calculated
Area = length (ft) x width (ft). Total to order = area x (1 + waste %). Roll count assumes the common 2 x 5 ft roll covering 10 sq ft; pallet count assumes 450 sq ft per pallet. Both vary by farm, so confirm sizes when you order.
Measure the length and width of the area you want to sod in feet, and this calculator returns the total square footage to order plus the equivalent number of standard rolls and pallets. For an irregular lawn, break it into rough rectangles, run each one, and add the results, or measure the overall rectangle and let the waste factor absorb the curves.
Sod is perishable: it is cut to order and needs to be laid the day it arrives. That makes ordering the right amount more important than with most materials, since topping up next weekend means a second cutting that may not match the first. 5% waste covers a simple rectangular lawn; use 10% when you have curved beds, slopes, or lots of edges to trim around.
Sod for common lawn sizes
Rows include 5% waste and assume 10 sq ft rolls and 450 sq ft pallets. Confirm roll and pallet coverage with your sod farm.
| Lawn size | Sq ft to order | Rolls | Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft (200 sq ft) | 210 sq ft | 21 rolls | 0.5 pallets |
| 20 x 25 ft (500 sq ft) | 525 sq ft | 53 rolls | 1.2 pallets |
| 25 x 40 ft (1,000 sq ft) | 1,050 sq ft | 105 rolls | 2.3 pallets |
| 40 x 50 ft (2,000 sq ft) | 2,100 sq ft | 210 rolls | 4.7 pallets |
| 50 x 100 ft (5,000 sq ft) | 5,250 sq ft | 525 rolls | 11.7 pallets |
Common questions
How big is a roll of sod?
The most common roll is 2 ft x 5 ft, covering 10 square feet, and weighs roughly 30 to 40 lb depending on moisture. Some farms cut 16 x 24 inch slabs or big rolls for machine installation instead, so confirm the format and coverage before converting your order.
How much does a pallet of sod cover?
Most pallets cover 450 to 500 square feet, but farms range anywhere from 400 to 700. A full pallet weighs 1,500 to 3,000 lb, so plan for delivery placement: the truck needs to drop it close to the work area, and a pallet is not something you can slide across a driveway by hand.
How much extra sod should I order?
Add 5% for a simple rectangular lawn and 10% when the edges curve, the ground slopes, or the area wraps around beds and walkways. Every cut edge produces scrap, and unlike lumber, sod scraps dry out and die before you can reuse them elsewhere.
How quickly does sod need to be installed?
The same day it is delivered, ideally within a few hours. Rolled sod heats up and the grass begins to yellow within 24 hours in warm weather. Prepare the soil completely before delivery day, keep the pallet in shade, and water each section as soon as it is laid.