# Sod Calculator

Calculate how much sod you need in rolls and pallets. Enter lawn dimensions, subtract non-sod areas, and get accurate estimates with built-in waste factor.

## What this calculates

Laying sod gives you an instant lawn, but ordering the wrong amount means either running short mid-project or paying for sod that dries out before you can use it. This calculator figures out exactly how many square feet, rolls, and pallets you need, with a 5% waste factor built in for cuts and trimming.

## Inputs

- **Lawn Length** (ft) — min 0
- **Lawn Width** (ft) — min 0
- **Non-Sod Areas** (ft²) — min 0 — Subtract areas where sod is not needed
- **Pallet Coverage** — options: 400 ft² per pallet, 450 ft² per pallet, 500 ft² per pallet
- **Price Per Square Foot** ($) — min 0 — Typical range: $0.30-$0.85 per ft²

## Outputs

- **Net Sod Area** (ft²)
- **Area with 5% Waste** (ft²)
- **Sod Rolls (10 ft² each)** (rolls)
- **Pallets Needed** (pallets)
- **Estimated Cost** — formatted as currency

## Details

## How Sod Quantities Are Calculated

Start with your total lawn area (Length x Width), then subtract any areas that will not get sod, like driveways, patios, or flower beds. The calculator adds 5% for waste since you will inevitably trim pieces around edges, curves, and obstacles.

## Standard Sod Sizes

- **Individual roll/piece:** 2 ft x 5 ft = 10 ft2
- **Small pallet:** ~400 ft2 (40 rolls)
- **Standard pallet:** ~450 ft2 (45 rolls)
- **Large pallet:** ~500 ft2 (50 rolls)

Pallet sizes vary by supplier and sod type, so check with your local farm before ordering. Some suppliers also sell sod in 2 ft x 5 ft slabs or larger 42-inch wide rolls for bigger jobs.

## Sod Pricing Guide

| Sod Type | Price Per ft2 | Per Pallet (450 ft2) |
|----------|--------------|---------------------|
| Bermuda | $0.30-$0.50 | $135-$225 |
| Fescue | $0.35-$0.55 | $158-$248 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $0.40-$0.65 | $180-$293 |
| Zoysia | $0.45-$0.75 | $203-$338 |
| St. Augustine | $0.40-$0.85 | $180-$383 |

Prices vary by region and time of year. Spring and early fall are peak season.

## Installation Tips

- Prepare soil before delivery -- sod is perishable and should be installed within 24 hours
- Stagger seams like brickwork for a natural look
- Water heavily immediately after installation (aim for 1 inch of water)
- Avoid walking on new sod for 2-3 weeks while roots establish

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How many square feet of sod are on a pallet?**

A: A standard pallet of sod covers 400-500 square feet, with 450 square feet being the most common. Each individual roll is typically 2 feet by 5 feet (10 square feet), so a pallet holds 40-50 rolls.

**Q: How much extra sod should I order?**

A: Order 5% extra for rectangular lawns and up to 10% extra if your yard has lots of curves, landscaping beds, or irregular shapes. The extra sod accounts for trimming waste around edges and obstacles.

**Q: How much does a pallet of sod cost?**

A: A pallet of sod typically costs $150-$350 depending on the grass type and your region. Bermuda grass is on the affordable end, while Zoysia and St. Augustine tend to be more expensive. Add $0.50-$1.50 per square foot for professional installation.

**Q: When is the best time to lay sod?**

A: The best time depends on your grass type. Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) do best in early fall or early spring. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) should be laid in late spring through early summer when they are actively growing.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/construction/sod
Category: Construction
Last updated: 2026-04-08