Sod Calculator
Enter the size of your lawn and any beds or paths to leave out to see how many square feet, rolls and pallets of sod to order. Roll and pallet sizes are editable because growers differ.
How to use this sod calculator
- Measure the length and width of the lawn. For an odd shape, split it into rectangles or work out its area with the Square Footage Calculator and enter that total as the length with a width of 1.
- Enter any area you will not cover, such as a bed, a path or a tree ring, in square feet.
- Keep the 5 percent allowance for cuts or raise it for a lawn with curved edges.
- Check the roll and pallet sizes against your supplier and change them if needed.
- Add a price per square foot if you want a cost estimate, then press Calculate. Use Copy result or Export CSV to share the numbers.
How to calculate how much sod you need
Sod is sold by area, so the calculator works with square feet and then converts to rolls and pallets.
- Lawn area = length (ft) x width (ft)
- Net area = lawn area minus the area you leave out
- Sod to order = net area x (1 + extra % / 100)
- Rolls = sod to order / area per roll, rounded up
- Pallets = sod to order / area per pallet
- Cost = sod to order x price per square foot
Worked example
Your lawn is 40 ft by 25 ft, so the area is 1,000 sq ft. You will leave out a 100 sq ft flower bed, so the net area is 900 sq ft. With 5% extra you order 900 x 1.05 = 945 sq ft. With rolls of 10 sq ft that is 94.5, so 95 rolls. With pallets of 450 sq ft that is 2.1 pallets. At $0.45 per square foot the sod costs 945 x 0.45 = $425.25.
Many suppliers sell by the whole pallet, so you would likely order three or ask whether a part pallet is available.
Assumptions & limits
- The lawn is flat. Slopes have a larger surface than the flat measurement, so add extra.
- The default roll size of 10 sq ft and pallet size of 450 sq ft are editable placeholders. Growers use different sizes, so confirm them.
- The price is your own input and the calculator does not look up prices. Delivery and soil preparation are not included.
- The calculator does not advise on grass type, soil prep or laying dates. Ask a local supplier about those.
- Sod is perishable and is best laid soon after delivery, so order close to your install date.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much sod I need?
Multiply length by width in feet to get the area, subtract any beds or paths, and add 5 to 10 percent for cuts. A 40 ft by 25 ft lawn with a 100 sq ft bed is 900 sq ft before the extra.
How many rolls of sod are on a pallet?
Divide the pallet area by the roll area. If a pallet covers 450 square feet and a roll covers 10 square feet, a pallet holds 45 rolls. Check both numbers with your supplier.
How much extra sod should I order?
A common allowance is 5 to 10 percent. Lawns with curves, many corners or tree rings need more than a plain rectangle. The calculator lets you change the percentage.
Can I measure a round or irregular lawn?
Yes. Break the lawn into rectangles, triangles and circles, find each area and add them up. The Square Footage Calculator can help with this.
Does sod come by the square foot?
Many suppliers price by the square foot, by the roll or by the pallet. Enter your price per square foot for a cost estimate, or compare rolls and pallets on the result.
How soon should sod be laid after delivery?
Sod is a living product and is best laid as soon as possible. Ask your supplier for their guidance and have the soil prepared before delivery.
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Last updated: November 2026