Free Sod Calculator
Use this sod calculator to see how many square feet, pieces and pallets of sod to order for your lawn.
Sod is sold by the square foot, by the piece and by the pallet. Pallet sizes vary from farm to farm, so enter your supplier's figure; the calculator rounds up to whole pallets so you do not run short.
How the sod calculator works
Sod to order = lawn area × (1 + extra %). Pieces = sod to order ÷ area of one piece (length × width in inches ÷ 144). Pallets = sod to order ÷ square feet per pallet, rounded up.
Sod needed for common lawn sizes
| Lawn | Sod with 5% extra | Pallets (450 sq ft) | Pieces (16 × 24 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 525 sq ft | 2 | 197 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,050 sq ft | 3 | 394 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,100 sq ft | 5 | 788 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 3,150 sq ft | 7 | 1,182 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 5,250 sq ft | 12 | 1,969 |
Preparing the ground
- Remove the old grass and weeds, then loosen the soil a few inches deep.
- Poor or thin soil? Spread a few inches of topsoil first. Use the topsoil calculator for the amount.
- Rake level so the sod sits slightly below paths and edging.
- Lay the pieces in a staggered brick pattern with tight joints, then water deeply.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need?
Measure the lawn area in square feet and add about 5% for cutting around edges and beds. A 1,000 sq ft lawn needs about 1,050 sq ft of sod.
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
It depends on the farm and the grass: commonly about 400 to 500 sq ft. Ask your supplier and enter their figure in the sod calculator.
How many pieces of sod are on a pallet?
With 16 × 24 in pieces (2.67 sq ft each), a 450 sq ft pallet holds about 170 pieces.
Can I use this as a sod pallet calculator?
Yes. Set the square feet per pallet from your supplier, and the calculator shows how many pallets to buy, rounded up.