Sod Calculator
Estimate sod rolls or pallets from square footage.
Optional prep and supplier checklistUseful before you call the sod farm or schedule installation.
Prep estimates, if needed
- Topsoil, 1 inch
- Enter lawn area
- Topsoil, 2 inches
- Enter lawn area
- Starter fertilizer
- Enter lawn areaUse the bag rate if it differs.
Ask the supplier
- Sq ft per roll or pallet?
- Partial pallets available?
- Delivery priced by pallet or distance?
- Starter fertilizer recommended?
Need the lawn area first?
Trace the lawn on the satellite map, then use the square footage here.
How the estimate is calculated
Start with lawn square footage, add extra sod for cuts and waste, then divide by the supplier’s roll or pallet coverage.
Extra sod = lawn area × buffer %
Sod needed = lawn area + extra sod
Rolls or pallets = sod needed ÷ coverage, rounded up
Before you order sod
Use the calculator for quantity. Prep, delivery, and installation timing depend on the yard and supplier.
Confirm supplier size
Rolls and pallets vary by farm. Replace the defaults when your supplier gives a different coverage number.
Plan prep separately
Topsoil is not automatic. Add it only when grading, drainage, or poor soil calls for a new layer.
Install quickly
Sod is living grass. Schedule delivery close to installation and water it right away.
Rolls vs. pallets
Small patch jobs are often easier to think about in rolls. Larger installs are usually quoted by pallet.
Roll size
Use the square footage on the supplier label when it differs from the default.
Pallet size
Pallet coverage changes by farm, grass type, roll size, and moisture.
Sod calculator FAQ
How do I calculate how much sod I need?
Measure the lawn area in square feet, add extra for cuts and waste, then divide the total by the roll or pallet size from your supplier. Round up because sod is ordered in whole rolls or pallets.
How many square feet are in a roll of sod?
This calculator defaults to 10 square feet per roll. Check your supplier because roll sizes can vary.
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
This calculator defaults to 450 square feet per pallet. Some suppliers use different pallet sizes, so replace the default when you have the supplier number.
Should I order extra sod?
A 10% buffer is a useful starting point for cuts, curves, damaged pieces, and small measuring differences.
What should I do before sod is installed?
Clear old grass and debris, rough grade the area, loosen compacted soil, and confirm drainage. Add topsoil or amendments only when the site needs them.
Do I need topsoil before sod?
Not always. Some jobs need grading, loosening, or amendments instead of a full topsoil layer. Ask the installer or supplier before assuming topsoil is required.
How should I care for new sod after installation?
Install sod quickly, water it right away, and keep it consistently moist while roots establish. Follow your supplier’s watering and mowing instructions for the grass type.
Can I use length and width instead of square footage?
Yes. Choose the length × width estimate option, enter up to three simple lawn sections, and the calculator will estimate the square footage first.
Should I measure on the map first?
Use the satellite map when the lawn curves around beds, sidewalks, patios, or driveways. A traced outline is better than a length × width estimate for real sod orders.
Need the lawn area first?
Search the address, trace the lawn, and use the square footage for sod planning.