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Sod Calculator

Calculate how many sod rolls or pallets you need for a new lawn, with waste allowance.

Measure the lawn
ft
ft
Grass and waste

Transition zone — drought tolerant, deep roots.

5%

5% rectangular; 10% for curves and obstacles

$

Sod needed

158 rolls

1,500 sq ft lawn + 5% waste — 4 pallets if buying by pallet.
Rolls to order
158
Pallets (450 sq ft each)
4
Roll cost
$632
Pallet costOften cheaper per sq ft
$660
Coverage math
MeasureValue
Lawn area1,500 sq ft
Sq ft per roll10 sq ft (2 ft × 5 ft)
With waste1,575 sq ft
Rolls158
Pallets4

Lay sod within 24 hours

Sod heats up on the pallet and dies. Have soil graded, rolled, and ready before delivery. Water daily for the first two weeks — roots need constant moisture to knit.

What this assumes

  • Standard roll size is 2 ft × 5 ft (10 square feet) — the retail norm at Home Depot, Lowe's, and sod farms.
  • Pallet size is 450 sq ft (45 rolls). Some suppliers use 500 sq ft pallets.
  • Default waste allowance is 5% for rectangular lawns; use 10% for curved or irregular shapes.

Important

Lay sod within 24 hours of delivery — it heats up on the pallet and dies. Prepare soil, grade, and irrigate before the truck arrives.

Understanding the result

Prepare the soil before the sod arrives

Remove old grass, till 4 to 6 inches of topsoil, grade for drainage away from the house, and roll lightly. Sod laid on unprepared ground fails within one season regardless of how much you order.

Stagger seams like brickwork

Offset each row by half a roll length. Butt edges tightly without overlapping. Roll the finished lawn with a water-filled roller to eliminate air gaps. Water daily for the first two weeks.

Common questions

How many sod rolls do I need for 1,000 square feet?
At 10 square feet per roll, you need 100 rolls before waste. With 5% waste: 105 rolls. That is just over two pallets (450 sq ft each).
How much does a pallet of sod cost?
A 450 sq ft pallet runs $150 to $250 depending on grass type and region. Kentucky bluegrass is $180 to $220. Bermuda is $140 to $180. Delivery adds $50 to $150.
How big is a roll of sod?
The standard retail roll is 2 feet wide by 5 feet long — 10 square feet. Farm-cut rolls may be 18 inches by 6 feet (9 sq ft). Confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Should I order extra sod?
Yes — 5% for rectangular lawns, 10% for curves, beds, and obstacles. Running short mid-install means dead rolls on day two. Leftover sod can patch bare spots.

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