Sod Calculator: Rolls, Pallets & Cost
Work out how much sod to order for a new lawn — square feet, rolls, pallets, topsoil to prepare the bed and total cost.
A 1,000 sq ft lawn needs about 1,050 square feet of sod with 5% waste: 105 rolls of 10 sq ft, or a little over two pallets of 450 sq ft. Lay sod within 24 hours of delivery on loose, level soil and keep it watered daily for two weeks.
Your numbers
Result
How much sod do I need?
Sod is sold by the square foot, by the roll (commonly 10 sq ft) or by the pallet (often 400–500 sq ft). Measure the lawn, subtract areas that won't be turfed, then add a small waste allowance.
rolls = sod needed ÷ roll size (round up)
For irregular lawns, split them into rectangles, triangles and circles, calculate each, and add them together — the square footage calculator can do the shapes. Curves and tight edges need more trimming, so use 10% waste.
Sod needed for common lawn sizes
| Lawn size | Area | Rolls (10 sq ft, +5%) | Pallets (450 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 sq ft | 42 | 0.9 |
| 30 × 40 ft | 1.200 sq ft | 126 | 2.8 |
| 50 × 50 ft | 2.500 sq ft | 263 | 5.8 |
| 50 × 80 ft | 4.000 sq ft | 420 | 9.3 |
| 100 × 100 ft | 10.000 sq ft | 1.050 | 23.3 |
Preparing the soil
Sod establishes by rooting into loose, level soil. Till and grade the area, spread 4–6 inches of topsoil (use the topsoil calculator), and roll lightly. Lay sod in a staggered brick pattern with tight seams, and water immediately and daily for the first two weeks.
Sod or seed?
Seed costs a fraction of sod but takes weeks to establish and needs careful watering. Sod gives an instant lawn and works well on slopes where seed would wash away. For a seeded lawn, see the grass seed calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many rolls of sod are on a pallet?
A pallet typically holds 40–50 rolls (400–500 sq ft), depending on grass type and roll size.
How much sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?
About 1,050 square feet with 5% waste — 105 rolls of 10 sq ft, or just over two pallets.
How much does sod cost per square foot?
Prices vary by region and grass type, commonly $0.30–$1.00 per square foot for the sod itself, excluding delivery and installation.
How soon must sod be laid?
Within 24 hours of delivery, ideally the same day. Rolled sod heats up and deteriorates quickly, especially in summer.
Sod or seed — which is cheaper?
Seed costs far less than sod but takes weeks to establish. Sod gives an instant lawn and works well on slopes.
How much topsoil do I need under sod?
Plan on 4–6 inches of topsoil: 1,000 sq ft needs about 12–18 cubic yards.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Early fall or spring for cool-season grasses; late spring through summer for warm-season grasses.
How long until I can walk on new sod?
Keep off for about two weeks, until the roots knit into the soil.
Sources and further reading
- Turfgrass Producers International — TPI: sod industry association
- Planting a new lawn — University of Illinois Extension
These references support the general guidance on this page. The calculator applies the standard formulas shown above to the numbers you enter.
Related calculators
. Estimates only. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering, and add extra for waste and site conditions.