Sod Calculator
Work out how much sod to order for a new lawn. Measure a rectangle or circle, or add several sections and subtract patios and beds, choose your slab or roll size and pallet coverage, and get the square footage, number of pieces, pallets and total cost including delivery.
Last updated:
"L x W" rectangle · "circle D" · "half D" (half circle) · "tri B H" triangle · start with "minus" to subtract a patio or bed · a single number is an area.
5% for simple shapes, 10% or more for curves.
Usually 400–700 sq ft; ask your supplier.
How to use the Sod Calculator
- Choose the lawn shape, or Multiple sections for an irregular yard.
- Enter the measurements in feet or meters; start a line with minus to subtract an area.
- Add waste: about 5% for simple shapes, 10% or more for curves.
- Pick the sod piece size and pallet coverage from your supplier, then the price.
- Press Calculate sod to see square feet, pieces, pallets and cost.
Sod formulas
- Rectangle:
area = length × width - Circle:
area = π × diameter² ÷ 4; half circle ÷ 8 - Triangle:
area = base × height ÷ 2 - Sod to order:
total area × (1 + waste %) - Pieces:
sod to order ÷ piece size, rounded up; pallets:sod to order ÷ pallet coverage
Example: 40 × 25 ft = 1,000 sq ft; + 5% waste = 1,050 sq ft; ÷ 2.667 sq ft = 394 slabs; ÷ 450 = 2.33 pallets.
Common sod sizes
| Piece | Coverage | Pieces per 100 sq ft | Pieces per 450 sq ft pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slab 16 × 24 in | 2.67 sq ft | 38 | about 169 |
| Slab 18 × 24 in | 3 sq ft | 34 | 150 |
| Roll 18 in × 3 ft | 4.5 sq ft | 23 | 100 |
| Roll 2 × 5 ft | 10 sq ft | 10 | 45 |
| Roll 1 m² | 10.76 sq ft | 10 | about 42 |
Square feet per pallet quick table
| Lawn area (+5%) | 400 sq ft pallets | 450 sq ft pallets | 500 sq ft pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 1.31 | 1.17 | 1.05 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 2.63 | 2.33 | 2.10 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 5.25 | 4.67 | 4.20 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 13.13 | 11.67 | 10.50 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much sod I need?
Measure the lawn area in square feet (length × width for rectangles, π × diameter² ÷ 4 for circles), add the sections together, subtract areas that will not be sodded and add 5 to 10 percent for cutting waste. A 40 × 25 ft lawn needs 1,000 sq ft plus 5% = 1,050 sq ft of sod.
How much does a pallet of sod cover?
It depends on the supplier and grass type, but a pallet commonly covers about 400 to 500 square feet, and some cover up to 700. With standard 16 × 24 inch slabs, 450 sq ft is about 170 slabs. Always ask your supplier.
How big is a piece of sod?
In the US, small slabs are usually 16 × 24 inches (2.67 sq ft) or 18 × 24 inches (3 sq ft), and small rolls about 2 × 5 ft (10 sq ft). In the UK and Europe, rolls are often 1 m² (about 10.76 sq ft). Big rolls for machines can cover hundreds of square feet each.
How much extra sod should I order?
Add about 5 percent for rectangular areas and 10 to 15 percent for curved beds, many corners or slopes. Sod cannot be stored for long, so it is better to measure carefully than to over-order a lot.
How much does sod cost?
Sod itself often costs around $0.30 to $0.85 per square foot depending on grass type and region, plus delivery. Professional installation can roughly double or triple the total. Enter your supplier's price for an exact estimate.
How soon do I need to lay sod after delivery?
Ideally the same day. Sod is a living product and can heat up and dry out on the pallet within 24 to 48 hours, especially in warm weather. Prepare the soil before delivery and keep the sod shaded and moist.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.