How to use this calculator
- Measure the lawn as a rectangle or circle, or type in a total area if you already have one.
- Enter any area you will not turn to grass, such as a patio, planting bed or the footprint of a shed.
- Keep 5% extra for straight edges, or use 10% for a lawn with many curves and cuts.
- Check your supplier for roll size and pallet coverage and change the defaults if they differ.
- Add a price per square foot to estimate the cost.
How the numbers are calculated
The lawn area minus the subtracted area gives the net area. The waste percentage is added, then the total is divided by the roll size to get rolls, and by the pallet coverage to get pallets. Both are rounded up because sod is sold whole.
Roll size and pallet coverage vary by grower. Many rolls are about 10 square feet and many pallets cover roughly 400 to 500 square feet, so the defaults are 10 and 450. Use the numbers on your quote.
Worked example
A lawn measuring 40 ft by 30 ft is 1,200 sq ft. Subtracting a 150 sq ft patio leaves 1,050 sq ft. With 5% extra you need 1,102.5 sq ft, which is 111 rolls of 10 sq ft, or 3 pallets if each covers 450 sq ft.
Tips before you buy
- Sod is a living product. Order it for the day you plan to lay it and install it soon after delivery, especially in hot weather.
- Prepare the soil first. Rake it level and remove stones and old weeds before the sod arrives.
- Stagger the seams like bricks and press edges together without overlapping them.
- Water new sod thoroughly right after laying and keep it moist while roots establish.
- Buying a full pallet often costs less per square foot than loose rolls, so check both prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra sod should I order?
Five percent is usually enough for a simple rectangle. Order about 10% for lawns with curves, odd corners or many obstacles.
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
It depends on the grower and grass type, but 400 to 500 square feet is common. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How long can sod sit before it is laid?
Sod is perishable and should be laid as soon as possible, often within a day of delivery. In hot weather the time is shorter, so confirm with your supplier.
How do I measure a lawn with curves?
Split it into rectangles and circles, calculate each part, and add them. Round up slightly to cover the curves.
Related calculators
These results are estimates for planning purposes. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.