Sod calculator
Square feet, rolls and pallets for a new lawn — with waste for curves and cuts.
Calculator
Detailed breakdown
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How to use this calculator
Measure
Measure the lawn area in feet. Break curved or irregular yards into rectangles and add them up.
Calculate
Once you hit calculate, results update as you type. Change any number to compare options instantly.
Order
Print the estimate and take it to your supplier. Quantities are rounded up so you don't come up short.
Ordering sod, and the 24-hour clock you are on
Sod is sold by the square foot, the roll or the pallet, and which unit your supplier uses varies regionally. A standard roll covers about 10 square feet (2 by 5 feet), and a pallet holds roughly 450 square feet, though both vary by grower.
A 2,000 square foot lawn works out to about 200 rolls, or a little under five pallets. Add 5 percent waste for a rectangular yard and 10 percent if you have curved beds, tree rings or a lot of edging to cut around.
Here is the part that catches people: sod is a perishable product. Once it is cut and stacked on a pallet it begins to heat and decompose, and in warm weather it can be unusable within 24 to 48 hours. Schedule delivery for the morning you plan to lay it, not the weekend before, and have the ground fully prepared and watered beforehand.
Preparation determines whether the lawn takes. Grade and loosen the soil, add topsoil if you're short of the 4 to 6 inches that roots need, and water the bed before laying. After installation, sod needs daily watering for the first two weeks — this is not optional, and it's where most installations fail.
Frequently asked questions
How many rolls of sod per pallet?
Typically 45 to 50 rolls, covering about 450 to 500 square feet. Sizes vary by grower, so confirm before ordering.
How much sod for a 2,000 square foot lawn?
About 200 rolls or just under five pallets, plus 5 to 10 percent waste depending on how many curves and cuts you have.
How long can sod sit before installation?
24 to 48 hours in warm weather, less in extreme heat. It heats and decomposes on the pallet, so schedule delivery for installation day.
How much waste should I add?
Five percent for rectangular lawns, 10 percent for curved beds, tree rings or irregular edges.
How often do I water new sod?
Daily for the first two weeks, keeping soil moist beneath the sod, then taper off as roots establish. Insufficient watering is the leading cause of failure.
Sources
Formulas and material assumptions on this page follow published industry guidance: