Sod Calculator

Calculate how much sod you need for your lawn. Get roll count, pallet estimates, and soil prep materials.

Last updated: January 13, 2026

Enter Your Measurements

Starting from bare soil

ft
ft
Quick:

Most common size, easy to handle

Drought-tolerant, full sun, high traffic · $0.30-0.60/sq ft

%
Include soil prep materials
Include starter fertilizer

1-2" topsoil recommended for new lawns

Enable cost estimate

Results

165
rolls needed
(includes 10% waste)
Area:1,500 sq ft
Rolls (no waste):150
Extra for waste:+15
Pallets:4 pallets

Based on 50 rolls per pallet (450 sq ft)

Install sod within 24 hours of delivery. For 1,500 sq ft, plan for a full day of work.

Water immediately after installation and keep moist for 2 weeks.

Soil Prep Materials:
Topsoil (2"):9.26 cu yd
Starter Fertilizer:1 bag(s)

Calculation Steps

Area: 50 × 30 ft= 1500 sq ft
Roll Size: Standard Roll (2' × 5')= 10 sq ft each
Rolls (no waste): 1500 ÷ 10= 150 rolls
+ 10% waste: 150 × 1.10= 165 rolls
Topsoil: 1500 × 2" ÷ 324= 9.26 cu yd
Privacy First - All calculations in your browser Expert-verified formula

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select your project type — New lawn, repair, or specific yard area.
  2. Enter your lawn dimensions — Measure length and width in feet. For irregular shapes, calculate total square footage.
  3. Choose sod roll size — Standard rolls (10 sq ft) are most common. Pallets cover ~450 sq ft.
  4. Select grass type — Pick based on your climate and sun exposure.
  5. Review results — See roll count, pallets needed, and soil prep materials.

How We Calculate

Sod Rolls = (Lawn Area ÷ Roll Size) × (1 + Waste%)

Example: 50×30 ft Lawn with Standard Rolls

  • • Area: 50 ft × 30 ft = 1,500 sq ft
  • • Roll size: 2' × 5' = 10 sq ft per roll
  • • Rolls needed: 1,500 ÷ 10 = 150 rolls
  • • With 10% waste: 150 × 1.10 = 165 rolls
  • • Pallets: 165 ÷ 50 = 4 pallets

Common Sod Sizes:

  • • Standard Roll: 2' × 5' = 10 sq ft
  • • Big Roll: 42" × 105' = 367.5 sq ft (needs equipment)
  • • Pallet: 50 rolls = ~450-500 sq ft

Pallets vs Rolls

Quick reference: 1 pallet ≈ 450-500 sq ft ≈ 50 standard rolls (2'×5').

Sod is sold by the pallet at most nurseries. Our calculator shows both rolls and pallets so you can match your supplier's ordering units.

Don't Forget Soil Prep

Soil preparation is often overlooked when budgeting. Plan for:

  • Topsoil: $50-150 for a typical lawn (if soil is poor)
  • Grading/leveling: $100-500 depending on slope
  • Old grass removal: $0.20-0.50 per sq ft or DIY with a sod cutter

Sod Price by Grass Type (2026)

  • Bermuda & Bahia: $0.20-0.50/sq ft — best value, drought-tolerant
  • St. Augustine: $0.35-0.65/sq ft — shade-tolerant, warm regions
  • Zoysia: $0.40-0.80/sq ft — dense, low-maintenance
  • Fescue & Bluegrass: $0.30-0.60/sq ft — cool-season, northern lawns

Based on Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

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