Sod Calculator
Estimate how much sod you need for a new lawn. Enter the area to cover and get the number of individual slabs and full pallets to order, with room for waste.
You need approximately
How this sod calculator works
Area = length × width, converted to square feet (1 m² ≈ 10.76 sq ft), then increased by your chosen waste margin. That total is divided by typical slab and pallet coverage:
| Unit | Typical coverage |
|---|---|
| One slab | 2.5 sq ft |
| One pallet | 450 sq ft |
These are widely used planning figures — actual slab size and pallet coverage vary by farm and grass type, so confirm the exact numbers with your supplier before placing an order.
Tips for laying sod
- Order last, prep first. Have the soil graded and ready before sod arrives — it can start to yellow within a day if left rolled up.
- Stagger the seams like brickwork so joints don't line up, which helps roots knit together faster.
- Water heavily in the first week — freshly laid sod needs daily watering until roots establish.
- Round up on pallets. A partial pallet still costs a full delivery slot on most routes, so ordering the full pallet count avoids a second trip.
Frequently asked questions
How much does one pallet of sod cover?
Most sod farms and garden centers load a pallet to cover roughly 450 square feet, though some run closer to 500 depending on slab size and moisture. Always confirm the exact coverage with your supplier before ordering, since it is priced per pallet.
How big is one piece of sod?
A standard sod slab sold at most garden centers covers about 2.5 square feet, commonly cut around 16 by 24 inches. Some farms cut slightly larger or smaller pieces, so treat the slab count here as a planning estimate.
How much extra sod should I order?
Add 5% for a simple rectangular lawn with no obstacles, and 10% or more for yards with curves, trees, beds, or other cuts. Sod dries out fast once cut, so slightly over-ordering is safer than a mid-project second delivery.
Can I order sod by the roll instead of the slab?
Large-roll sod (big rolls installed with a mechanical layer, common on sports fields and large properties) is sold and priced differently from residential slabs. For a typical home lawn, garden centers and delivery services almost always sell by the slab and pallet, which is what this calculator estimates.
Formulas last reviewed on 2026-07-17. Slab and pallet coverage are typical supplier figures, not a manufacturer specification. This tool provides planning estimates only — confirm exact quantities with your sod farm or garden center before ordering.