About the Sod Calculator
Sod Calculator works out how much sod to order for a new lawn. Enter the length and width of the area in feet, an allowance for cuts and edges, the size of one roll and the area on a pallet, and the page shows the number of rolls, the number of pallets (exact and rounded up) and, if you add a price per square foot, an estimated cost. Rolls and pallets differ between sod farms, so choose your supplier's sizes. Use it to avoid ordering too little, which can leave bare patches, and too much, which wastes money because sod dies if it waits.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Sod Calculator
- 1Enter the lawn's length and width in feet.
- 2Add an allowance for cuts and curves: 5% for simple shapes, 10% for odd ones.
- 3Choose the size of one roll and the size of a pallet.
- 4Add the price per square foot if you know it.
- 5Read the rolls, pallets and cost.
Measuring the lawn
Measure the length and width of each part of the lawn and multiply for the area. Subtract flower beds, paths and other areas that will not get sod. For curved beds, estimate the area as an average width times the length. It is better to measure twice and round up than to order too little.
Preparing for delivery
Have the soil ready before the sod arrives. Remove old weeds and stones, loosen the soil, level it, add compost if needed and rake it smooth. Water the soil lightly just before laying, and have help available so that the sod does not sit in the sun.
- Prepare and level the soil first
- Lay sod in a brick pattern with tight seams
- Roll or press the sod so that roots touch the soil
- Water within an hour of laying
Aftercare
Keep the sod wet for the first two weeks, then reduce the watering as the roots take hold. Avoid walking on it for 2 to 3 weeks and do the first mow when the grass is 3 to 4 inches tall, with a high blade setting.
Related tools
Work out soil for the base with the Topsoil Calculator, mulch for beds with the Mulch Calculator, gravel for paths with the Gravel Calculator and fertiliser with the Lawn Fertilizer Calculator.
Features
- Rolls and pallets
- Three common roll sizes
- Waste allowance
- Cost estimate
- Rounded up so you do not run short
- Private: nothing is uploaded
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need?
Multiply the length by the width of the area in feet, add 5% to 10% for cutting, and divide by the area of one roll. A common roll is 2 ft by 5 ft, which is 10 sq ft.
How much does one pallet of sod cover?
Usually 400 to 500 square feet, depending on the grass and the farm. Ask your supplier.
How much extra should I order?
Order 5% extra for a simple rectangle and 10% for curves, slopes or many obstacles.
How soon must sod be laid?
Within 24 hours of delivery, and preferably the same day, especially in hot weather. Sod is alive and heats up when it is stacked.
How do I measure an irregular lawn?
Split it into rectangles and triangles, work out each area and add them. A circle has an area of 3.14 times the radius squared.
Do I need topsoil?
Prepare the soil with a few inches of loose topsoil or compost, and level it before you lay the sod. Use a Topsoil Calculator to find how much.
When is the best time to lay sod?
In spring or early autumn, when temperatures are mild and the roots can grow. Water daily for the first two weeks.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Nothing is uploaded.