How to use this calculator
- Add each area to sod. Split odd shapes into rectangles and circles, or enter square feet directly.
- Choose how your sod is sold: slabs, mini rolls or large rolls, and the square feet per pallet your supplier lists.
- Pick an allowance for waste. Use 5% for simple shapes and 10% when there are curves, beds or trees to cut around.
- Optional: enter the price per pallet to see the total.
The formula
- Sod needed = total area × (1 + waste % ÷ 100)
- Pieces = sod needed ÷ size of one piece, rounded up
- Pallets = sod needed ÷ square feet per pallet, rounded up
Worked example
A 40 × 30 foot back yard, sodded with 16 × 24 inch slabs sold on 450-square-foot pallets, with 5% extra:
- Area: 40 × 30 = 1,200 sq ft, plus 5% = 1,260 sq ft
- Slabs: 1,260 ÷ 2.67 ≈ 473 slabs
- Pallets: 1,260 ÷ 450 = 2.8, so 3 pallets, leaving about 90 sq ft spare
- Or, if partial pallets are available: 2 pallets plus 135 slabs
Common sod sizes
| Format | Typical piece size | Common pallet sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Slabs (mostly southern US) | 16 × 24 in, about 2.67 sq ft | 400, 450 or 500 sq ft |
| Mini rolls (mostly northern US) | 18 × 40 in, 5 sq ft | 400, 450 or 500 sq ft |
| Large rolls | About 10 sq ft | 500, 600 or 700 sq ft |
Tips for laying sod
- Prepare the soil first. Remove old grass and debris, loosen the top few inches, work in compost if the soil is poor, and rake it level and firm.
- Stagger the joints like bricks, and butt the edges tightly without overlapping or stretching the pieces.
- Water right away and often. Keep the sod and the soil under it moist until the roots knit in, then water more deeply and less often.
- Stay off it as much as you can for the first couple of weeks.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
Most pallets hold between 400 and 700 square feet. Slab pallets are commonly sold as 400, 450 or 500 square feet, and pallets of large rolls as 500 to 700. Always check your supplier, since sizes vary by farm and grass.
How big is a piece of sod?
Slabs, common in the South, are usually 16 by 24 inches, about 2.67 square feet. Mini rolls, common in the North, are often 18 by 40 inches, or 5 square feet. Large rolls are about 10 square feet.
How much extra sod should I order?
Order about 5% extra for simple rectangular lawns and up to 10% for curved edges, beds and trees, to cover cuts and measuring errors.
How many pieces of sod do I need?
Divide the area in square feet, plus your waste allowance, by the size of one piece. For 1,000 square feet plus 5% using 16 by 24 inch slabs: 1,050 ÷ 2.67 ≈ 394 slabs.
How soon should I lay sod after delivery?
The same day if possible. Sod stacked on a pallet heats up and dries out quickly, especially in warm weather, so have the soil prepared before it arrives.