Sod Calculator
Estimate sod in square feet, rolls, and pallets for new lawns, patches, and renovations.
Your Sod Estimate
- Measure your lawn - length and width. For irregular shapes, break into rectangles.
- Choose pallet size - most pallets cover about 450 ft²; Bermuda and Fescue pallets can reach 540 ft². Sod also comes in 2.67 ft² pieces (16×24 in) and 10 ft² rolls.
- Set waste factor - 5% for rectangular lawns, 10–15% for curves and irregular shapes.
- Review results - pallets to order plus total square footage. See the conversion table below for pieces and rolls.
- Plan installation day - sod must be laid within 24 hours of delivery - it dies fast on a pallet.
Sod is sold by the roll and the pallet: a standard roll is 10 square feet (2 ft × 5 ft) and a pallet covers 450 square feet in most markets - some suppliers cut 400 or 500 sq ft pallets, so confirm before ordering. A typical 2,000 sq ft front yard takes about 4.5 pallets, or 5 with the standard 5-10% cutting waste. Enter your lawn dimensions above for rolls, pallets, and waste included.
How Sod Is Sold
How Much Sod Do I Need?
Sod is measured in square feet and sold mainly by the pallet, with rolls and pieces for smaller jobs. A standard pallet covers about 450 square feet - roughly 50 rolls (10 ft² each) or 170 pieces (16 × 24 in) - though farms range from 400 to 540 ft². For a typical 1,000 sq ft lawn at 450 ft² per pallet, plan on about 3 pallets including waste.
The most important rule with sod: install it the same day it's delivered. Sod on a pallet starts to heat up and die within 12–24 hours - faster in summer heat. Water immediately after laying, and keep the sod consistently moist for the first 2 weeks until roots establish.
Sod Pricing Guide
Sod costs vary by grass type and your region:
| Grass Type | Cost per ft² | Cost per Pallet (500 ft²) | Best Climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $0.35–$0.60 | $175–$300 | Cool (northern US) |
| Bermuda | $0.25–$0.45 | $125–$225 | Warm (southern US) |
| Zoysia | $0.40–$0.70 | $200–$350 | Transition zone |
| St. Augustine | $0.30–$0.55 | $150–$275 | Warm, coastal |
| Tall Fescue | $0.30–$0.50 | $150–$250 | Cool to transition |
Add $1–$3 per sq ft for professional installation (soil prep, grading, laying, and initial watering). DIY installation saves significantly but requires fast work.
Sod Quantities Quick Reference
| Area | Rolls (10 ft²) | Pallets | Estimated Cost (material only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 ft² | 27 rolls | 1 pallet | $90–$175 |
| 500 ft² | 53 rolls | 2 pallets | $175–$350 |
| 1,000 ft² | 105 rolls | 3 pallets | $350–$700 |
| 2,000 ft² | 210 rolls | 5 pallets | $700–$1,400 |
| 5,000 ft² | 525 rolls | 12 pallets | $1,750–$3,500 |
Includes 5% waste, at 450 ft² per pallet. Pricing based on $0.35–$0.70 per sq ft (varies by grass type and region).
Formulas
Simple area division:
With waste = Area × (1 + Waste %)
Pallets = Total area ÷ pallet size (≈ 450 ft²)
Pieces = Total area ÷ 2.67 ft² (16 × 24 in)
Rolls = Total area ÷ 10 ft² (2 × 5 ft)
Sod is sold mainly by the pallet - about 450 ft² and roughly 50 rolls or 170 pieces. For patches, pieces (16 × 24 in = 2.67 ft²) or 10 ft² rolls are easier. Pallet coverage ranges from 400 to 540 ft² by farm, so confirm before ordering.
Sod installation cost by grass type (2026)
| Grass type | Sod only per sq ft | Installed per sq ft | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $0.35-$0.65 | $0.85-$1.75 | Northern US, cool climate |
| Bermuda | $0.25-$0.50 | $0.75-$1.50 | Southern US, full sun |
| Zoysia | $0.40-$0.75 | $0.90-$1.85 | Transition zone, moderate shade |
| St. Augustine | $0.30-$0.60 | $0.80-$1.70 | Gulf Coast, Florida, warm coastal |
| Tall Fescue | $0.30-$0.55 | $0.80-$1.65 | Southeast, transition, shade |
| Centipede | $0.25-$0.50 | $0.75-$1.50 | Southeast, low maintenance |
Installed cost includes soil prep, leveling, sod material, and installation. A pallet covers 450-500 sq ft and costs $130-$375 depending on grass type and region. Northeast and West Coast run 20-30% higher. Summer installation increases watering requirements and can slightly increase labor cost.
Related Calculators
After You Know Your Roll Count
Sod succeeds or fails on the prep underneath. Work backwards:
Grade with topsoil before laying sod. Browse our landscaping calculator collection for mulch, compost, and lawn seed.