Sod Calculator
How much sod to order for a new lawn, in square feet, pallets and pieces.
Sod to order
1,050
sq ft
1,000 sq ft of lawn plus 5% for cuts is 1,050 sq ft of sod.
How it comes
- Pallets
- 3 pallets
- Pieces
- 394 pieces
Lawn
- Lawn area
- 1,000 sq ft
- Sod to order
- 116.7 sq yd
Cost
- Estimated cost
- –
How much sod do I need?
Measure the lawn's area in square feet (length × width), add about 5% for cuts, then divide by the square feet on a pallet, usually 450 to 500. A 40 × 25 ft lawn is 1,000 sq ft, so order 1,050 sq ft: 3 pallets of 450 sq ft, or 394 slabs of 16 × 24 in.
Worked example: a 40 × 25 ft lawn
- Area: 40 × 25 = 1,000 sq ft.
- Extra: add 5% for cuts at the edges: 1,050 sq ft.
- Pieces: a 16 × 24 in slab covers 2.67 sq ft, so 1,050 ÷ 2.67 = 394 slabs.
- Pallets: 1,050 ÷ 450 = 2.3, so 3 pallets. The third pallet would be mostly spare, so ask whether your supplier sells part pallets.
Common sod sizes
| Size | Covers |
|---|---|
| Slab, 16 × 24 in | 2.67 sq ft |
| Roll, 2 × 5 ft | 10 sq ft |
| Pallet (typical) | 450–500 sq ft |
| Pallet (range) | 400–700 sq ft |
| 1 square yard | 9 sq ft |
Piece and pallet sizes vary by farm and region. Check with your supplier and enter their numbers in the calculator.
Measuring your lawn
- Break it into shapes: rectangles and circles. Work out each one and add them, then use "I know the area".
- Subtract flower beds, paths, patios and the house footprint.
- Curves and slopes waste more sod at the edges. Use 10% extra instead of 5%.
Before the sod arrives
- Prepare the soil first. Sod roots best into loose, level soil. If you need to add topsoil, the topsoil calculator works out how much.
- Lay it the day it arrives. Sod is alive, and rolled-up sod heats up and dries out quickly.
- Stagger the joints like brickwork and butt the pieces tight together.
- Water straight away and keep it moist until it roots.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
Usually 450 to 500 sq ft, but pallets range from about 400 to 700 sq ft depending on the farm, the grass and the piece size. Ask your supplier.
How many pieces of sod are on a pallet?
Divide the pallet's square feet by the piece size. A 450 sq ft pallet of 16 × 24 in slabs (2.67 sq ft) holds about 169 slabs.
How much sod do I need for a 1,000 sq ft lawn?
About 1,050 sq ft with 5% extra: 3 pallets of 450 sq ft (with some spare), or 394 slabs of 16 × 24 in.
How much extra sod should I order?
About 5% for a simple rectangle and 10% or more for curved edges, many beds or slopes.
How do I convert square yards of sod to square feet?
Multiply by 9. One square yard is 9 square feet.
Related calculators
Topsoil CalculatorCubic yards, tons and bags of topsoil for beds, lawns and grading.Mulch CalculatorCubic yards or bags of mulch for any bed, at the depth you want.Gravel CalculatorTons, cubic yards and bags of gravel for a driveway, path or patio.Cubic Yard CalculatorTurn feet, inches or meters into cubic yards, cubic feet, m³ and tons.
Sources and method
- Sod Solutions — square feet per pallet — 16 × 24 in slabs; pallets 400–700 sq ft, most often 450–500
- Angi — sod calculator — 2 × 5 ft roll covers 10 sq ft
Last checked October 12, 2026. How we build and test every calculator: methodology.