Sod Calculator
Calculate sod rolls and pallets needed for new lawn installation. Includes waste factors, topsoil requirements, and starter fertilizer with delivery costs.
Lawn Area
Sod Rolls
184 rolls (9 sq ft each)
Sod Installation Reference
- Small rolls: ~450 sq ft
- Large rolls: ~500 sq ft
- Big rolls: ~500 sq ft
- Install within 24 hours of delivery
- Water immediately after laying
- Stagger seams like bricks
- Install sod the same day it's delivered for best results
- Water new sod 2-3 times daily for the first 2 weeks
- Don't walk on new sod for 2-3 weeks until roots establish
- Best times to lay sod: early spring or early fall
- Remove old grass and level soil before laying new sod
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
The Sod Calculator determines exactly how many rolls, pallets, and square feet of sod you need for lawn installation, renovation, or repairs in 2026. Whether you're establishing a new lawn from scratch, replacing damaged turf, or expanding your landscape, this calculator accounts for roll sizes, waste factors, and complex lawn shapes to ensure you order the right quantity without running short mid-project or wasting money on excess sod that can't be returned.
Sod provides an instant lawn—mature grass with established root systems that transforms bare dirt into a lush, usable lawn within weeks rather than the months required for seeding. However, sod is a perishable product that must be installed within 24-48 hours of harvest, making accurate quantity calculation critical. Too little sod means an emergency mid-project order (often unavailable) or visible gaps. Too much means wasted product that cannot be saved.
In 2026, sod costs $0.45-1.00 per square foot for the product, plus $50-150 for delivery, and $1.00-2.50 per square foot for professional installation. A typical 5,000 square foot lawn costs $2,250-5,000 for DIY installation or $7,500-17,500 professionally installed. Factors affecting price include grass variety (Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine), sod thickness, local availability, and delivery distance. Enter your lawn dimensions and shape complexity to calculate exact pallet requirements with appropriate waste allowance.
Trusted Sources
How to Use the Sod Calculator
- 1Measure your lawn dimensions (length × width in feet) or calculate total square footage for irregular shapes.
- 2For complex lawns, divide into rectangles, triangles, and circles, calculate each section, and add results.
- 3Select your sod roll size: standard (9 sq ft), large (10 sq ft), or big roll (50 sq ft for commercial projects).
- 4Choose a waste factor based on lawn shape: 5% for simple rectangles, 10% for typical lawns, 15%+ for complex shapes.
- 5Toggle Advanced mode to add topsoil preparation and delivery cost estimates.
- 6Select your grass type to see variety-specific pricing and care requirements.
- 7Review pallet quantities and schedule delivery for installation day.
- 8Coordinate delivery timing—have all helpers and tools ready before sod arrives.
Formula
Sod Rolls = (Square Feet ÷ Roll Coverage) × Waste FactorStandard sod rolls cover 9 square feet (2 ft × 4.5 ft). A typical pallet contains 50 rolls covering approximately 450 square feet. The waste factor (1.05-1.20) accounts for cutting around edges, obstacles, irregular shapes, and occasional damaged pieces. Pallets needed equals total rolls divided by 50, rounded up to the next whole pallet.
2026 Sod Pricing Guide
Sod prices vary by grass type, region, and quality. Here are current 2026 market rates:
Sod Prices by Grass Type (Per Square Foot):
| Grass Type | Price Range | Best Climate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $0.50-0.85 | Cool (North) | Most popular northern grass |
| Tall Fescue | $0.45-0.70 | Transition Zone | Drought tolerant, shade tolerant |
| Perennial Ryegrass | $0.45-0.65 | Cool (North) | Quick establishment |
| Fine Fescue | $0.50-0.75 | Cool (North) | Shade tolerant, low maintenance |
| Bermuda | $0.40-0.65 | Warm (South) | Full sun, drought tolerant |
| St. Augustine | $0.55-1.00 | Warm (South) | Shade tolerant, Gulf Coast |
| Zoysia | $0.65-1.20 | Transition/Warm | Slow to establish, premium |
| Centipede | $0.50-0.85 | Warm (South) | Low maintenance, acidic soil |
| Bahia | $0.35-0.55 | Warm (South) | Sandy soils, low fertility |
Pallet Pricing (2026):
| Grass Type | Pallet Coverage | Price per Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Economy blends | 450 sq ft | $200-300 |
| Standard bluegrass | 450 sq ft | $280-400 |
| Premium bluegrass | 450 sq ft | $350-500 |
| Bermuda | 500 sq ft | $200-325 |
| St. Augustine | 400 sq ft | $250-400 |
| Zoysia | 450 sq ft | $350-550 |
Additional Costs:
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery (local) | $50-100 | Within 20 miles |
| Delivery (extended) | $100-200 | 20-50 miles |
| Topsoil (per yard) | $30-50 | 4" depth = 4 CY per 1,000 SF |
| Starter fertilizer | $25-50 | Per 5,000 SF |
| Sod staples | $15-25 | Per 1,000 SF (slopes) |
| Professional installation | $1.00-2.50/SF | Labor only |
Sod Roll and Pallet Sizes
Understanding sod dimensions helps you calculate accurately and plan for installation:
Standard Residential Sod:
| Roll Type | Dimensions | Square Feet | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small roll | 18" × 6' | 9 sq ft | 35-45 lbs |
| Standard roll | 24" × 4.5' | 9 sq ft | 35-45 lbs |
| Large roll | 24" × 5' | 10 sq ft | 40-50 lbs |
| XL roll | 24" × 6' | 12 sq ft | 48-60 lbs |
Pallet Coverage:
| Sod Type | Rolls per Pallet | Coverage | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (9 SF) | 50 rolls | 450 sq ft | 1,800-2,250 lbs |
| Large (10 SF) | 50 rolls | 500 sq ft | 2,000-2,500 lbs |
| XL (12 SF) | 42 rolls | 504 sq ft | 2,000-2,500 lbs |
Big Roll/Commercial Sod:
| Roll Type | Dimensions | Square Feet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big roll | 24" × 25' | 50 sq ft | Requires equipment |
| Mega roll | 42" × 100' | 350 sq ft | Commercial only |
| Slab sod | 2' × 4' | 8 sq ft | Hand-laid, premium |
Quick Reference Table (Standard 9 SF Rolls):
| Lawn Size | Square Feet | Rolls (10% waste) | Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 500 | 62 | 1.5 (order 2) |
| Average | 1,000 | 123 | 2.5 (order 3) |
| Medium | 2,000 | 245 | 5 pallets |
| Large | 5,000 | 612 | 13 pallets |
| Very large | 10,000 | 1,223 | 25 pallets |
Waste Factor Guidelines
Choosing the right waste factor prevents both shortages and excess. Add waste based on lawn complexity:
5% Waste (Factor: 1.05) - Simple Lawns:
- Rectangular or square shape
- No obstacles to cut around
- Straight edges only
- Experienced installers
- Large open areas
10% Waste (Factor: 1.10) - Standard (Recommended):
- Slightly irregular shapes
- A few trees or beds to cut around
- Some curved edges
- Typical residential lawn
- DIY with some experience
15% Waste (Factor: 1.15) - Complex Shapes:
- Many curves and angles
- Multiple trees and landscape beds
- Narrow strips between features
- First-time DIY installers
- Island beds and borders
20% Waste (Factor: 1.20) - Very Complex:
- Highly irregular shapes
- Numerous obstacles
- Many narrow areas
- Slopes requiring stapling
- Combination with difficult access
Why Waste Factors Matter:
| Scenario | Problem | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Too little sod | Gaps, emergency orders | Delays, visible patches, matching issues |
| Slight excess | 5-10% leftover | Minor waste, acceptable |
| Significant excess | 20%+ leftover | Wasted money, sod dies on pallet |
Leftover Sod Options:
- Patch thin areas immediately
- Create new bed borders
- Offer to neighbors quickly
- Compost (cannot store live sod)
Grass Type Selection Guide
Choosing the right grass type for your climate and conditions ensures long-term success:
Cool-Season Grasses (Northern US):
| Type | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Traffic | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Full sun | High | High | High |
| Tall Fescue | Sun-shade | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Full sun | Medium | High | Medium |
| Fine Fescue | Shade | Low | Low | Low |
Warm-Season Grasses (Southern US):
| Type | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Traffic | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Full sun | Low | Very high | High |
| St. Augustine | Sun-shade | High | Medium | Medium |
| Zoysia | Sun-light shade | Medium | High | Low |
| Centipede | Full sun | Low | Low | Very low |
| Bahia | Full sun | Very low | Medium | Low |
Transition Zone Recommendations (Zone 6-7):
| Condition | Best Choice | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Full sun, high traffic | Tall Fescue | Bermuda/Zoysia blend |
| Full sun, low maintenance | Zoysia | Bermuda |
| Partial shade | Tall Fescue | Fine Fescue blend |
| Heavy shade | Fine Fescue | Shade-tolerant St. Augustine |
Climate Zone Quick Reference:
| Zone | States | Best Grasses |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | MN, WI, MI, NY, New England | Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass |
| Transition | VA, NC, TN, KS, MO, KY | Tall Fescue, Zoysia, Bermuda |
| Warm | TX, FL, GA, SC, AZ, CA (south) | Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia |
Site Preparation Requirements
Proper soil preparation is critical for sod establishment. Complete these steps BEFORE delivery:
Site Preparation Checklist:
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kill existing vegetation | 2-3 weeks before |
| 2 | Remove dead material | 1-2 weeks before |
| 3 | Test soil pH | 1 week before |
| 4 | Add amendments if needed | 1 week before |
| 5 | Add topsoil (if needed) | 3-5 days before |
| 6 | Grade and level | 2-3 days before |
| 7 | Apply starter fertilizer | Day before or day of |
| 8 | Water soil lightly | Day of installation |
Topsoil Requirements:
| Current Soil | Topsoil Needed | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Good loam | None | N/A |
| Poor soil | 2-4 inches | Light amendment |
| Clay heavy | 3-4 inches | Better drainage |
| Very sandy | 2-3 inches | Better moisture |
| Rocky/compacted | 4-6 inches | Root zone creation |
Grading Guidelines:
| Location | Recommended Slope | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Away from house | 2-5% grade | Foundation drainage |
| General lawn | 1-2% grade | Prevent pooling |
| Swales | 2-4% grade | Direct water flow |
| Flat areas | 0.5-1% minimum | Prevent standing water |
Common Preparation Mistakes:
| Mistake | Result | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Poor grading | Puddles, uneven lawn | Use laser level |
| Hard, compacted soil | Poor root growth | Till to 4-6" depth |
| No starter fertilizer | Slow establishment | Apply 1 lb N per 1,000 SF |
| Debris left under sod | Dead spots, bumps | Remove all rocks, roots |
| Installing on dry soil | Root burn, slow rooting | Water day before |
Installation Best Practices
Professional installation techniques ensure a seamless, healthy lawn:
Installation Timeline (Critical!):
| Hour | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hour 0 | Sod harvested | Farm cuts fresh |
| Hour 2-6 | Delivery | Minimize time in transit |
| Hour 6-24 | Installation window | Install ALL sod today |
| Hour 24+ | Quality degrades rapidly | Do not store overnight |
Installation Steps:
- Start at straight edge (driveway, sidewalk, or string line)
- Lay sod in rows with ends butted tightly together
- Stagger seams like bricks (offset by half a roll minimum)
- Cut with sharp knife around obstacles
- Roll with lawn roller to ensure soil contact
- Water immediately (within 20-30 minutes of laying)
Seam Technique:
| Method | Description | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Butted tightly | Edges touching, no overlap | Best |
| Slight overlap | 1/4" overlap, pressed together | Acceptable |
| Gaps | Visible soil between pieces | Poor—will show |
| Overlapped | Edges stacked on each other | Poor—edges die |
Slope Installation:
| Slope Grade | Special Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-15% | Standard installation |
| 15-25% | Install perpendicular to slope |
| 25-33% | Add sod staples every 2-3 feet |
| 33%+ | Staple every seam, jute netting |
Hot Weather Installation (>85°F):
- Install in early morning or evening
- Wet pallet periodically
- Water each section within 20 minutes
- Have full crew to work quickly
- Consider postponing if >95°F
Watering Schedule After Installation
Proper watering is the single most important factor in sod establishment:
Week 1-2 (Establishment Phase):
| Time | Frequency | Amount | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | 3-4 times daily | Light spray | Keep constantly moist |
| Day 4-7 | 2-3 times daily | 1/4" each | Roots starting |
| Week 2 | 2 times daily | 1/2" each | Deeper root growth |
Week 3-4 (Rooting Phase):
| Timing | Frequency | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 | Once daily | 1/2"-3/4" | Roots reaching 1-2" |
| Week 4 | Every other day | 3/4"-1" | Transition beginning |
Week 5+ (Established):
| Timing | Frequency | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5-6 | 3× per week | 1" total | Normal schedule starting |
| Week 8+ | 1-2× per week | 1-1.5" total | Fully established |
Watering Signs to Watch:
| Sign | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blue-gray color | Drought stress | Water immediately |
| Footprints stay visible | Needs water | Water soon |
| Spongy/soggy | Overwatered | Reduce frequency |
| Sod lifting at edges | Dry underneath | Water longer, less often |
| Yellow patches | Disease (from overwatering) | Reduce, improve drainage |
When to Check Moisture:
- Lift a corner of sod—soil should be damp
- Push screwdriver into soil—should penetrate easily
- Check at sunniest areas—these dry fastest
- Check edges and slopes—dry faster than centers
Watering Time Recommendations:
| Season | Best Time | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 6-10 AM | Evening (promotes disease) |
| Summer | 4-8 AM | Midday (evaporation loss) |
| Fall | 6-10 AM | Late evening |
First Mowing and Early Care
Proper first mowing and early care establishes a healthy, dense lawn:
First Mowing (7-14 Days After Installation):
| Factor | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| When to mow | When sod resists gentle tug | Roots established |
| Mower height | 3-3.5 inches | Never remove more than 1/3 |
| Blade sharpness | Very sharp | Dull blades tear, not cut |
| Mowing pattern | Parallel to seams | Prevents lifting |
| Clippings | Mulch (leave on lawn) | Returns nutrients |
Mowing Height by Grass Type:
| Grass Type | First Mow | Maintenance Height |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 3-3.5" | 2.5-3.5" |
| Tall Fescue | 3.5-4" | 3-4" |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2.5-3" | 2-3" |
| Bermuda | 1.5-2" | 1-2" |
| St. Augustine | 3-4" | 3-4" |
| Zoysia | 1.5-2" | 1-2.5" |
Fertilizer Schedule:
| Timing | Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| At installation | Starter (high P) | 1 lb N/1,000 SF | Apply before sod |
| 4-6 weeks after | Balanced | 0.5 lb N/1,000 SF | Light feeding |
| 8-10 weeks after | Seasonal formula | 1 lb N/1,000 SF | Normal program |
First Month Restrictions:
| Activity | Wait Period | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy foot traffic | 2-3 weeks | Root establishment |
| Playing/sports | 4-6 weeks | Full rooting |
| Pets on lawn | 2-3 weeks | Urine burns new sod easily |
| Parking vehicles | Never (grass area) | Compaction kills roots |
| Deep watering only | 3-4 weeks | Shallow roots first |
Weed Control:
| Timing | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 weeks | Hand-pull only | No herbicides |
| Weeks 4-6 | Spot treat only | Mild products only |
| After 6 weeks | Normal program | Pre-emergents OK |
Calculating Irregular Lawn Shapes
Most lawns aren't perfect rectangles. Here's how to calculate complex shapes:
Rectangle/Square:
Area = Length × Width
Example: 50' × 30' = 1,500 sq ft
Triangle:
Area = (Base × Height) ÷ 2
Example: 20' base × 15' height ÷ 2 = 150 sq ft
Circle:
Area = π × Radius²
Area = 3.14 × (Diameter ÷ 2)²
Example: 20' diameter = 3.14 × 10² = 314 sq ft
Oval:
Area = π × (Length ÷ 2) × (Width ÷ 2)
Example: 30' × 20' oval = 3.14 × 15 × 10 = 471 sq ft
L-Shaped Lawn:
Divide into two rectangles:
Section A: 40' × 30' = 1,200 sq ft
Section B: 20' × 25' = 500 sq ft
Total: 1,700 sq ft
Lawn with Circular Bed Subtracted:
Total rectangle: 60' × 40' = 2,400 sq ft
Subtract bed: 10' diameter = -78.5 sq ft
Net lawn area: 2,321.5 sq ft
Complex Shape Example:
Front yard with curved edges:
- Main rectangle: 50' × 40' = 2,000 sq ft
- Subtract driveway: 20' × 30' = -600 sq ft
- Add side triangle: (15' × 10') ÷ 2 = +75 sq ft
- Total: 1,475 sq ft
- Add 15% waste: 1,475 × 1.15 = 1,697 sq ft
- Pallets needed: 1,697 ÷ 450 = 3.8 → Order 4 pallets
DIY vs Professional Installation
Compare the costs and considerations for installing sod yourself versus hiring professionals:
Cost Comparison (5,000 SF Lawn):
| Item | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sod (12 pallets) | $3,600-5,000 | $3,600-5,000 |
| Delivery | $75-150 | Included |
| Topsoil (if needed) | $200-400 | $400-800 |
| Starter fertilizer | $40-60 | $60-100 |
| Equipment rental | $100-200 | Included |
| Labor | Your time | $5,000-12,500 |
| Total | $4,015-5,810 | $9,060-18,400 |
DIY Requirements:
| Item | Purpose | Rental Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sod cutter (removal) | Remove old lawn | $75-100/day |
| Rototiller | Prepare soil | $60-80/day |
| Lawn roller | Press sod to soil | $30-50/day |
| Wheelbarrow | Transport sod | Own or $20/day |
| Sharp knife | Cut sod pieces | $10-15 purchase |
| Rake | Level soil | Own or $15 |
Time Requirements (DIY):
| Lawn Size | Prep Time | Installation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 SF | 4-6 hours | 2-3 hours | 6-9 hours |
| 2,500 SF | 6-8 hours | 4-6 hours | 10-14 hours |
| 5,000 SF | 8-12 hours | 8-12 hours | 16-24 hours |
| 10,000 SF | 16+ hours | 16+ hours | 32+ hours |
When to Hire Professionals:
- Lawn over 5,000 SF (physical demands)
- Limited time to complete in one day
- Significant grading/drainage issues
- Slopes requiring specialized techniques
- No helpers available
- Physical limitations
When DIY Makes Sense:
- Lawn under 3,000 SF
- Good physical condition
- Available helpers (2+ people ideal)
- Relatively flat, simple lawn
- Adequate preparation time
- Budget is a priority
Pro Tips
- 💡Install sod the same day it's delivered—sod heats up rapidly on pallets and begins dying within 24-48 hours, especially in warm weather.
- 💡Water new sod within 20-30 minutes of laying each section—don't wait until the entire lawn is complete to start watering.
- 💡Stagger sod seams like bricks (offset by at least half a roll length) to prevent visible lines and improve stability.
- 💡Roll installed sod with a lawn roller filled one-third with water to ensure root-to-soil contact and eliminate air pockets.
- 💡Keep all foot traffic off new sod for 2-3 weeks until roots establish—even light walking damages tender new roots.
- 💡Order 10-15% extra sod for waste—running short mid-project often means gaps, as same-day replacement delivery is rarely available.
- 💡Prepare soil thoroughly before sod arrives—poor preparation is the #1 cause of sod failure and visible seams.
- 💡Cut sod with a sharp utility knife or sod knife—dull tools tear grass and create ragged edges that don't heal well.
- 💡Install sod perpendicular to slopes, and use sod staples on grades over 25% to prevent sliding.
- 💡Water in early morning (4-8 AM) after the first two weeks to reduce disease risk—evening watering promotes fungal growth.
- 💡Wait until sod resists a gentle tug (10-14 days) before first mowing—and never remove more than one-third of blade height.
- 💡Check moisture by lifting sod corners—soil underneath should be damp but not waterlogged for optimal root growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, expect $500-850 for sod material (at $0.50-0.85/SF), plus $50-100 delivery, $25-50 for starter fertilizer, and optionally $150-300 for topsoil if needed. DIY total: $725-1,300. Professional installation adds $1,000-2,500 in labor for total of $1,725-3,800 installed.
