Sod Calculator
By Concrete Knowhow Editorial Team · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read
Quick Answer
Length
Width
Waste Buffer
Cut pieces add up fast. Add 5% for straight rectangular lawns; 10% for curved or irregular edges.
Common Lawn Sizes: Quick Reference
All values include a 5% waste buffer. Pallets based on 450 sq ft coverage.
| Lawn Size | Sq Ft | Rolls (+5%) | Pallets (+5%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft | 100 | 11 | 1 |
| 15×20 ft | 300 | 32 | 1 |
| 20×20 ft | 400 | 42 | 1 |
| 20×40 ft | 800 | 84 | 2 |
| 40×40 ft | 1,600 | 168 | 4 |
| 50×80 ft | 4,000 | 420 | 9 |
| 100×100 ft | 10,000 | 1050 | 23 |
How to Measure an Irregular Lawn
Few lawns are perfect rectangles. The reliable method is to break the space into simple shapes, calculate each, and add them up. Rectangles are length times width. Triangles are half of base times height. Circles are 3.14 times the radius squared; for a half-circle against a patio, take half of that. Sketch the yard on paper, split it into these shapes, and measure each one with a tape or measuring wheel.
Worked example. A yard with a 30 ft by 40 ft main rectangle (1,200 sq ft), a 15 ft by 20 ft side strip (300 sq ft), and a half-circle bed cutout with a 10 ft radius to subtract (157 sq ft): total sod area is 1,200 plus 300 minus 157, which is 1,343 sq ft. At 10 sq ft per roll with a 5 percent buffer, order 142 rolls, or about 3 pallets. Measure twice: sod is perishable and cannot be returned once cut, so an accurate count matters more than with any other landscape material.
Warm-Season or Cool-Season Grass?
Sod availability is regional because turfgrass falls into two climate groups. Your local sod farm will carry what grows in your area, but knowing the group helps you time the project and compare quotes.
| Group | Common Varieties | Region | Best Time to Lay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool-season | Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial rye | Northern US, transition zone | Early fall, then early spring |
| Warm-season | Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede | Southern US | Late spring through summer |
Pallet weight is worth planning around regardless of variety: a full pallet weighs 1,500 to 3,000 pounds depending on soil moisture, so have it dropped as close to the work area as the driver can manage.
How to Lay Sod, Step by Step
- Prepare the soil. Till 4–6 inches deep, remove rocks and old grass, and grade the surface so it slopes slightly away from your home. Add topsoil or compost if needed. Use our topsoil calculator to estimate how much you need.
- Test soil pH. Most turfgrasses prefer pH 6.0–7.0. Lime raises pH; sulfur lowers it. Apply amendments before laying sod so they work into the soil.
- Firm the surface. Roll or tamp the prepared soil so it is firm but not compacted. The surface should not shift when you walk on it. If it does, the sod will have an uneven finish.
- Water before laying. Lightly moisten the soil surface just before installation. This helps sod roots make immediate contact with moist soil.
- Lay sod in straight rows. Start along a straight edge such as a driveway, sidewalk, or string line. Butt pieces tightly together; gaps will dry out and die. Stagger joints like brickwork.
- Use a sharp knife for cuts. Trim pieces to fit around edges, curves, and obstacles. Cut on the soil side, not the grass side, for a cleaner edge.
- Roll after laying. Use a water-filled lawn roller to press the sod firmly against the soil, eliminating air gaps under the roots.
- Water immediately and daily. Soak the sod thoroughly right after installation. For the first 2 weeks, water daily to keep the root zone moist. Stay off the lawn until roots have established (2–6 weeks).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many rolls of sod do I need for a 20×20 ft lawn?
- A 20×20 ft lawn is 400 sq ft. At 10 sq ft per roll, you need 40 rolls plus a 5–10% waste buffer for cuts, so order 42–44 rolls. That is less than one pallet (typically 450 sq ft).
- How much does a pallet of sod cover?
- A standard pallet of sod covers 450–504 sq ft depending on the supplier and grass type. Our calculator uses 450 sq ft per pallet as a conservative estimate. Always confirm coverage with your specific supplier.
- How much does sod cost per pallet?
- Sod costs $150–$450 per pallet depending on grass variety and region. Bermuda and fescue are typically less expensive; St. Augustine and zoysia run higher. Installation labor adds $0.50–$2.00 per sq ft.
- When is the best time to lay sod?
- Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass, rye) establish best in fall or early spring. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine) do best in late spring through summer when soil temperatures are above 60°F.
- How do I prepare ground for sod?
- Till the soil 4–6 inches deep, remove debris, grade to slope away from structures, and add topsoil or compost if needed. Firm the surface so it does not shift underfoot, then water lightly before laying sod.
- How long does sod take to root?
- Sod roots into the soil in 2–6 weeks under good conditions. Keep it moist (water daily for the first 2 weeks) and stay off the lawn. After 6 weeks, tug a corner: if it resists, it has rooted.