Sod Calculator: Square Feet, Pieces and Pallets

How to work it out

Measure each part of the lawn. Use a circle for round beds you are going around, and enter a known area for odd shapes.
Leave out paths, patios and beds that will not be turfed.
Add a little extra for cutting around curves and edges. The calculator starts with 5%.
Check the piece size and how much one pallet covers with your sod farm, because both vary.

Common sod sizes

Size	Covers
Small piece, 16 by 24 in	About 2.67 sq ft
Roll, 2 by 5 ft	10 sq ft
One pallet	Often 400 to 500 sq ft, depending on the farm

These are common starting points. Your site, climate and supplier may call for something different.

Order for the day you can lay it

Sod is a living plant and dries out quickly on the pallet. Have the ground prepared before it arrives, lay it as soon as you can, and water it straight away.

Partial pallets

Many sod farms sell part pallets or single pieces as well as full pallets. Check before ordering a whole extra pallet for the last few square feet.

Common questions

How many pallets of sod do I need for 1,000 sq ft?

At 450 sq ft per pallet, 1,000 sq ft needs about 2.2 pallets, so 2 full pallets plus some extra pieces, or 3 pallets. Add a little for cutting first.

How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?

It depends on the farm and the size of the pieces. Many pallets cover 400 to 500 sq ft, so check with your supplier and type their figure into the calculator.

How much extra sod should I order?

About 5% covers cutting on most simple lawns. Lawns with lots of curves, beds or narrow strips need more.

How do I measure an irregular lawn?

Split it into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each as its own area. The calculator adds them up for you.

Doing this job for a customer? Turn your numbers into a free written estimate on QuoteToPaid.

Sod calculator