How much sod do I need? Calculate pallets, rolls, and costs for your lawn. Enter your yard dimensions and grass type for an instant sod estimate.
Lawn Details
Lawn Length (ft)
Lawn Width (ft)
Sod Type
10% for rectangular lawns, 15% for irregular shapes
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Enter your lawn details for a sod estimate
Last updated March 2026 by our expert review team
Sod prices only. Add $100 to $200 per pallet for delivery.
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
See full profileHawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated March 2026
How we verify our calculatorsOrder 10% extra for waste on rectangular lawns and 15% for irregular shapes. Cuts along curves and edges generate offcuts that can't be reused.
Install sod within 24 hours of delivery. Pallets heat up fast and sod begins to yellow within 48 hours. In summer, you may have only 12 hours.
Prep the soil before delivery: grade, remove debris, and add 2 to 4 inches of topsoil if needed. Use our fill dirt calculator for grading material estimates.
Water immediately after laying each section. Don't wait until the entire lawn is done. Each piece needs water within 30 minutes of placement.
Stagger seams like brickwork. Never align joints in a row or water will channel through the gaps and erode the soil underneath.
Avoid sodding in peak summer heat (above 95 degrees F). The best times are early fall and mid-spring when roots establish faster with moderate temperatures.
Enter your lawn length and width (or estimate for irregular shapes).
Select your grass type and adjust the waste factor.
Get pallets, rolls, material cost, and delivery estimate.
Formulas
Total Area = Length x Width x (1 + Waste%)
Pallets = Total Area / 450
Rolls = Total Area / 10
How many sq ft per pallet of sod?
450 sq ft is standard. Some farms sell 500 sq ft pallets. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.
How much does sod cost per sq ft?
$0.30 to $0.85 depending on grass type. Bermuda is cheapest, Zoysia is most expensive. Add $100 to $200 per pallet for delivery.
What is the best grass for my climate?
Bermuda and St. Augustine for hot southern climates (zones 7-10). Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass for cooler northern climates (zones 3-7). Zoysia works in transition zones.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Early fall (September to October) or mid-spring (April to May). Avoid peak summer and frozen ground. Roots establish fastest with moderate soil temperatures.
How do I prepare soil for sod?
Grade the area, remove rocks and debris, add 2 to 4 inches of topsoil, and rake smooth. The finished grade should be 1 inch below sidewalks and driveways.
How long until I can walk on new sod?
2 weeks minimum. Roots need time to anchor. Test by gently tugging a corner. If it lifts easily, wait another week.
How much water does new sod need?
Water immediately after install, then 1 inch per day for the first 2 weeks. Reduce to every other day for weeks 3 to 4, then normal watering (1 inch per week).
Can I lay sod over existing grass?
No. Remove old grass, weeds, and thatch first. Sod laid over old grass won't root properly and will die within weeks.
A small rectangular front yard with 10% waste. Budget $99 to $215 for sod materials.
A typical suburban backyard. With 10% waste that's 1,650 sq ft of sod. Budget $578 to $1,073 for materials.
A large property with 10% waste comes to 4,400 sq ft. Budget $1,540 to $3,300 for materials plus $1,500 delivery.
Premium Zoysia for a full property. With 10% waste that's 6,600 sq ft. Budget $2,640 to $5,610 for sod plus $2,250 delivery.
Not prepping the soil
Sod dies on compacted or weedy ground. Grade the area, remove debris, and add topsoil before delivery. Roots can't penetrate hard-packed clay.
Letting sod sit on pallets too long
Sod begins to yellow within 48 hours on a pallet. In summer heat, you may have only 12 hours. Schedule delivery for the day you plan to install.
Forgetting waste for curves and edges
Straight rectangular lawns need 10% waste minimum. Irregular shapes with curves, trees, and flower beds need 15% or more for all the cuts.
Not watering immediately
Each piece of sod needs water within 30 minutes of placement. Don't wait until the entire lawn is done. Water section by section as you go.
Walking on new sod too early
Wait at least 2 weeks for roots to establish before walking on new sod. Test by gently tugging a corner. If it lifts, wait another week.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.