Sod Calculator
✓ Your estimate
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Sq Feet
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+Waste Sq Ft
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Rolls Needed
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Pallets Needed
⚠ Pallet coverage varies by supplier and grass type. Confirm roll size and pallet coverage with your sod farm before ordering.
What the Result Means
Sod is typically sold by the roll for small orders and by the pallet for larger jobs. Roll size and pallet coverage vary between suppliers, grass types, and regions -- always confirm with your sod farm before placing an order. The roll count here is an estimate based on the roll size you selected.
Before laying sod, make sure your soil is properly graded and prepared. If your soil is poor or compacted, the topsoil calculator can help you estimate how much soil to add. For landscaping beds and borders around the new lawn, the mulch calculator handles those estimates. See all tools at the outdoor calculators page.
How the Calculation Works
Area = Length x Width (sq ft)
Adjusted Area = Area x (1 + Waste %)
Rolls = Adjusted Area / Roll Size (sq ft per roll)
Pallets = Adjusted Area / Pallet Coverage (sq ft per pallet)
Always round rolls and pallets UP -- you cannot install partial rolls or short pallets
Worked Example
Example: 20 ft x 30 ft lawn, 10% waste, 10 sq ft rolls, 450 sq ft pallets
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Area: 20 x 30 = 600 sq ft
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With 10% waste: 600 x 1.10 = 660 sq ft
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Rolls: 660 / 10 = 66 rolls
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Pallets: 660 / 450 = 1.47 -- round up to 2 pallets
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Confirm pallet coverage with your sod farm before ordering
Ordering Notes
Assumptions Used by This Calculator
- Area is calculated from length x width in feet.
- Sod roll size varies by supplier -- the selected roll size may differ from what your farm sells.
- Pallet coverage varies by farm and grass type -- always confirm before ordering.
- Waste accounts for trimming, curves, edges, obstacles, and damaged pieces.
- Rolls and pallets are rounded up -- you cannot install partial rolls.
- Topsoil preparation and grading are not included in this estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sod do I need for a 20x30 yard?
A 20x30 yard is 600 square feet. With 10% waste, order 660 sq ft. At 10 sq ft per roll, that is 66 rolls. At 450 sq ft per pallet, that is about 1.5 pallets -- order 2 pallets.
How many square feet are in a roll of sod?
Sod roll size varies by supplier and grass type. Common sizes are 2 ft x 5 ft (10 sq ft), 16 in x 72 in (8 sq ft), and 24 in x 60 in (10 sq ft). Always confirm the roll size with your sod farm before ordering.
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
Pallet coverage varies by farm, grass type, and region. Common pallet sizes are 400, 450, 500, and 504 sq ft. Ask your supplier for their specific pallet coverage before calculating how many pallets to order.
How much extra sod should I order?
Order 5-10% extra for a simple rectangular lawn. Order 10-15% for yards with curves, slopes, obstacles, or irregular shapes. Sod trimmings along edges are wasted, and a few pieces will always be damaged in transit.
Do I need topsoil before laying sod?
If your existing soil is poor, compacted, or rocky, adding 2-4 inches of good topsoil before laying sod significantly improves root establishment. Grade the area so water drains away from structures before laying sod.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Early fall is ideal in most regions -- the soil is warm, the air is cooler, and rain is more reliable. Spring is the second-best option. Avoid laying sod in peak summer heat or when the ground is frozen.
Should sod be watered immediately?
Yes -- sod must be watered within 30 minutes of installation. Water deeply enough to soak through the sod and into the top inch of soil below. Keep consistently moist for the first 2-3 weeks until roots establish.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Sod roll sizes and pallet coverage vary significantly by supplier, grass type, and region. Always confirm all quantities with your sod supplier before ordering. See all outdoor calculators.