How many square feet per pallet of sod?

450 square feet is the standard pallet size. Some farms sell 500 sq ft pallets. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.

How much does sod cost per square foot?

$0.30 to $0.85 per sq ft depending on grass type. Bermuda is cheapest at $0.30 to $0.65. Zoysia is most expensive at $0.40 to $0.85. 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 to 10). Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass for cooler northern climates (zones 3 to 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 heat and frozen ground. Roots establish fastest with moderate soil temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees F.

How do I prepare soil for sod?

Grade the area, remove rocks and debris, add 2 to 4 inches of topsoil, and rake smooth. 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 into the soil. Test by gently tugging a corner. If it lifts easily, wait another week before foot traffic.

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 resume normal watering at 1 inch per week.

LandscapingSod Calculator

Sod Calculator

Q: Can I lay sod over existing grass?

No. Remove old grass, weeds, and thatch first. Sod laid over existing grass won't root properly and will die within weeks.

Estimate sod square footage, pallets, rolls, delivery, and cost for a new lawn.

Lawn Details

Lawn preset

Typical backyard

Tall fescue

Cool-season, moderate shade, common lawns

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Grass type

Waste Factor: 10%

10% for simple lawns, 15% for curves and beds

Ready to calculate

Enter lawn dimensions or choose a preset.

Last updated May 29, 2026 by our expert review team

Cost per Sq Ft by Grass Type

Bermuda grass$0.30 - $0.65/sq ft

Tall fescue$0.35 - $0.65/sq ft

Kentucky bluegrass$0.35 - $0.75/sq ft

St. Augustine$0.35 - $0.80/sq ft

Zoysia$0.40 - $0.85/sq ft

Sod prices only. Add delivery and waste for a realistic order estimate.

Expert Contributors

Creator

Ruth Wairimu

Landscape Architect

Ruth Wairimu

Landscape Architect

Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.

See full profile

Expert Review

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.

See full profile

Updated May 2026

How we verify our calculators

Sod Order and Install Guide

Sod is not just an area calculation. The order needs waste for cuts, a pallet size check, and a short install window so the grass does not dry out on the pallet.

Sod order guide showing lawn area plus waste, pallet and roll counts, same-day install, and watering after placement.

Measure the lawn, add waste for cuts, confirm pallet coverage, install fresh sod promptly, and water as you lay it.

Sod Planning Assumptions

Pallet default

450 sq ft

Roll default

10 sq ft

Simple waste

5-10%

Curved waste

12-15%

Supplier coverage varies. Use the advanced fields if your farm sells 400, 500, 600, or 700 sq ft pallets.

Quick Reference

1 pallet: 450 sq ft
1 roll: ~10 sq ft
1 slab: ~2.67 sq ft
1 sq yd: 9 sq ft
450 sq ft: 45 rolls
Install: same day

Pro Tips

Prep the grade before delivery. Use fill dirt for low areas and the soil calculator for the topsoil layer.

Need the area first? The square footage calculator is better for L-shapes, circles, and separated lawn zones.

Confirm pallet coverage before ordering. Many residential pallets are 400, 450, or 500 sq ft, and some growers sell larger rolls.

Install sod promptly after delivery. Fresh sod is perishable and stacked pallets heat up quickly.

Lay seams like brickwork and keep pieces tight without stretching them. A small gap becomes visible once the sod shrinks.

Water as you go. New sod needs moisture at the sod and soil interface right away.

How the Calculator Works

Measure the lawn area, add waste for cutting and fitting pieces, then divide by your supplier's pallet or roll coverage. Costs use the grass type price range plus the delivery allowance.

Formula

Sod area = Length x Width x (1 + Waste %)

Pallets = Sod area / pallet coverage, rounded up

Rolls = Sod area / roll coverage, rounded up

Install Sequence

1Prep soil

2Confirm delivery

3Lay tight seams

4Roll for contact

5Water immediately

Practical Sod Examples

Repair patch

10 x 8 ft, Bermuda

Includes 10% extra for cuts and fitting.

Area

88 sq ft

Order

1 pallet or 9 rolls

Sod

$26-$57

Small front yard

20 x 15 ft, Bermuda

Includes 10% extra for cuts and fitting.

Area

330 sq ft

Order

1 pallet or 33 rolls

Sod

$99-$215

Typical backyard

50 x 30 ft, tall fescue

Includes 10% extra for cuts and fitting.

Area

1,650 sq ft

Order

4 pallets or 165 rolls

Sod

$578-$1,073

Large lawn

80 x 50 ft, bluegrass

Includes 10% extra for cuts and fitting.

Area

4,400 sq ft

Order

10 pallets or 440 rolls

Sod

$1,540-$3,300

Sod Mistakes That Cost You Money

Ordering without confirming pallet size

A pallet may cover 400, 450, 500, or more square feet. Your supplier's number is the one that matters.

Letting sod sit stacked

Fresh sod heats and dries on the pallet. Schedule help before delivery so it can be installed promptly.

Skipping soil prep

Sod hides poor soil at first, then fails later. Till, grade, smooth, and firm before delivery.

Under-ordering curves

Edges around trees and beds create scrap. Add 12 to 15% for irregular lawns.

Common Questions

How much sod do I need?

Multiply lawn length by width, then add waste for cuts. The calculator converts that total into pallets, rolls, slabs, and cost.

How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?

A 450 sq ft pallet is a common planning value, but suppliers may sell 400, 500, 600, or 700 sq ft pallets. Confirm before ordering.

How many rolls are on a pallet?

If each roll covers 10 sq ft, a 450 sq ft pallet is about 45 rolls. Smaller slabs or mini rolls can change the count.

How much extra sod should I order?

Use 5 to 10% for simple rectangles and 12 to 15% for curves, trees, beds, and diagonal cuts.

Can I lay sod over existing grass?

No. Remove old grass and debris so the new roots touch prepared soil.

How should I prepare soil for sod?

Till, grade, smooth, firm, and amend the upper 4 to 6 inches if a soil test calls for it.

How fast should sod be installed?

Same day is best. Virginia Cooperative Extension says sod should be installed within eight hours of harvest when possible.

How long before I can walk on sod?

Avoid routine foot traffic until roots knit into the soil. Check by gently lifting a corner after a couple of weeks.

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.