Calculate how much sod you need for a lawn, in rolls and pallets.
Soil prep & materials
Project cost
Shopping list
Usage Tip
Lay sod the day it arrives and water it within the first half hour; sod on a pallet can overheat and die in a day or two.
rolls = sod area ÷ 10, pallets = sod area ÷ 500
The result gives rolls and pallets.
How much sod do I need?
Sod is sold by the square foot, bundled into pieces and stacked on pallets, so the amount you need is simply your lawn area plus a waste allowance for cuts and odd edges. Measure the area, add about 5 to 10 percent for trimming (more for curves and slopes), then divide by the pallet coverage to get pallets. A 1,500 sq ft lawn at 5 percent waste is about 1,575 sq ft — roughly three and a half 450 sq ft pallets, so you would order four. This calculator handles the area, pieces, pallets, soil prep, and the full cost.
Sod pallet coverage
Pallet coverage varies by farm and grass type, but these are typical:
| Unit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Slab / piece (16 x 24 in) | about 2.67 sq ft |
| Roll (2 x 5 ft) | 10 sq ft |
| Pallet (typical) | about 450 sq ft (range 400 to 700) |
| Pallet weight | 2,000 to 3,000 lb |
A 450 sq ft pallet holds roughly 170 of the 16 by 24 in slabs. Always confirm the exact pallet size with your supplier before ordering.
Sod installation cost
Sod itself usually runs about $0.30 to $0.80 per sq ft. Professional installation, including soil prep and labor, typically brings the total to roughly $1 to $2 per sq ft. Delivery is often a flat fee per pallet or trip. For a 1,500 sq ft lawn, expect roughly $450 to $1,200 for material and up to $3,000 installed.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Sod material | $0.30 to $0.80 / sq ft |
| Installed (with labor) | $1 to $2 / sq ft |
| Delivery | flat fee per pallet or trip |
Soil prep checklist
- Clear the area of old grass, weeds and debris.
- Loosen the top 2 to 4 in of soil and grade it smooth, sloping away from buildings.
- Add topsoil or compost if the soil is poor, and rake level.
- Apply starter fertilizer and lightly water the soil before laying.
- Lay sod within 24 hours of delivery, staggering the seams like brickwork.
Watering and first-week care
New sod must not dry out while it roots. Water within 30 minutes of laying, then keep it soaked for the first week — usually twice a day so the soil beneath stays wet. In the second week, taper to once a day, then to deeper, less frequent watering. Stay off the lawn and wait about two to three weeks, until the sod resists a gentle tug, before the first mow.
Seasonal installation
Sod can be laid almost any time the ground is not frozen, but the best windows are spring and early fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through summer for warm-season grasses like bermuda and zoysia. Avoid laying in peak summer heat unless you can water heavily.
Frequently asked questions
How many sq ft in a pallet of sod?
Usually about 450 sq ft, though pallets range from 400 to 700 depending on the farm and grass. Check before ordering.
How much sod do I need for my yard?
Your lawn area plus 5 to 10 percent for waste. Divide by the pallet coverage and round up to whole pallets.
How much does sod cost?
About $0.30 to $0.80 per sq ft for the sod, or $1 to $2 per sq ft installed with soil prep and labor.
How long does sod take to root?
About two to three weeks. Keep it well watered and stay off it until it resists a gentle tug.
Should I add topsoil before sod?
If the existing soil is thin or poor, add 1 to 2 in of topsoil or compost and grade it smooth first.
How much extra should I order for curves?
Add about 10 percent for curved or irregular edges, and a little more for slopes, to cover the extra trimming.
Seed Coverage Calculator · Lawn Fertilizer Calculator · Garden Soil Calculator · Square Footage Calculator · Project Cost Calculator
Estimates are for planning. Pallet coverage, piece size and pricing vary by supplier and region; sod is perishable, so order to a confirmed delivery date and lay it promptly. Confirm coverage and delivery terms with your sod farm.