Sod Calculator
- Updated
- Imperial and metric
- Free, no sign-up
Results
394 pieces of sod, 3 pallets, for 1,050 ft²
How to use the sod calculator
- Measure each lawn area. Break odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each one.
- Choose the piece or roll size your supplier sells, and enter how much one pallet covers.
- Keep 5% extra for simple shapes; use 10% or more for curved edges, beds and trees.
- Add a price per pallet, per square foot or per piece to estimate the cost.
Sod calculation formula
Pallets = Lawn area × (1 + waste %) ÷ Pallet coverage
Example: a 1,000 ft² lawn laid with 16 × 24 inch slabs (2.67 ft² each) and 5% extra needs 394 slabs. If a pallet covers 450 ft², that is 3 pallets. Round to whole pallets when you order, and use any spare pieces to patch thin spots later.
Pieces of sod per area
| Piece or roll | Pieces needed (before waste) |
|---|---|
| 16 × 24 in slab (2.67 ft²) | 375 per 1,000 ft² |
| 18 × 24 in slab (3 ft²) | 333.3 per 1,000 ft² |
| 2 × 5 ft roll (10 ft²) | 100 per 1,000 ft² |
| 1 m² roll | 1 per 1 m² |
| 0.5 m² roll | 2 per 1 m² |
Sizes vary between farms. If your supplier quotes a different piece size, enter the lawn area and divide by their coverage figure.
Preparing the ground
- Clear it. Remove old grass, weeds, roots and stones.
- Improve poor soil. On compacted or rocky ground, spread a few inches of screened topsoil. The topsoil calculator works out how much.
- Grade and level. Rake the surface smooth and slope it gently away from buildings so water drains off.
- Firm it. Roll or lightly tamp the soil so the sod doesn't settle unevenly, then water it lightly the day before laying.
Laying sod
- Lay it the day it arrives. Sod on a pallet heats up and dries out fast, especially in warm weather.
- Start along a straight edge such as a path or driveway, and stagger the joints like brickwork.
- Butt the edges tightly without overlapping or stretching the pieces, and cut around beds with a sharp knife.
- Water straight away until the soil under the sod is moist, then keep it moist while the roots knit into the soil, usually a couple of weeks. Avoid heavy traffic until it is rooted.
Sod or seed?
Sod gives an instant, finished lawn and resists erosion on slopes, but costs much more than seed. Seed is cheaper and offers more grass varieties, but takes weeks to fill in and needs careful watering. To compare, switch the calculator to Sow grass seed or use the grass seed calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many pieces of sod do I need?
Divide the lawn area by the area of one piece and add about 5% for cuts. A standard 16 × 24 inch slab covers 2.67 sq ft, so 1,000 sq ft takes 375 slabs before waste, or 394 with 5% extra.
How much does a pallet of sod cover?
It depends on the sod farm and the piece size. Many pallets cover roughly 400 to 500 sq ft, so ask your supplier and enter their figure in the calculator.
How much extra sod should I order?
About 5% is enough for simple rectangular lawns. Allow 10% or more for curved edges, lots of beds or trees to cut around, and narrow strips.
Do I need topsoil before laying sod?
On poor, compacted or rocky ground, a few inches of good topsoil gives the new roots something to grow into. Loosen the soil, rake it level and smooth, and slope it gently away from the house. The topsoil calculator works out how much to order.
How quickly do I need to lay sod?
As soon as possible, ideally the day it is delivered. Sod stacked on a pallet heats up and dries out quickly, especially in warm weather. Water each section thoroughly as you lay it.