Question 1

How do I calculate how much sod I need?

Accepted Answer

Measure each section of your lawn separately using the shape that best matches it — rectangles, triangles, circles, or L-shapes. For each shape type (e.g., all rectangular sections), enter the dimensions and set the 'Number of Areas' to how many of that shape you have. Run separate calculations for different shapes and write down each area total (before waste). Add those area totals together by hand, apply your waste percentage, then divide by pallet coverage and round up once. Adding pallet counts from separate runs can overestimate because each run rounds up independently. This calculator handles one shape type per run.

Question 2

How many square feet does a pallet of sod cover?

Accepted Answer

A standard pallet of sod covers approximately 450 square feet. This can vary by grass type: Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipede typically cover 450 ft² per pallet, Fescue covers about 500 ft², and Kentucky Bluegrass covers about 550 ft². Each pallet contains about 60 rolls (at ~10 ft² per roll) or 100–170 slabs (at ~2.67 ft² per slab).

Question 3

How many square feet are in a roll of sod?

Accepted Answer

A standard roll of sod covers 10 square feet (typically 2 feet wide by 5 feet long). Some suppliers offer larger rolls of 15–20 ft² for commercial use. A full pallet contains about 45–60 individual rolls depending on the roll size. Slabs, which are smaller rectangular pieces, cover about 2.67 ft² each (16" × 24").

Question 4

How much does a pallet of sod weigh?

Accepted Answer

A pallet of sod typically weighs between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds depending on the grass type and moisture content. St. Augustine (the heaviest) can weigh up to 2,500–3,000 lbs per pallet. Bermuda, Zoysia, Fescue, and Centipede weigh around 1,500–2,000 lbs. Kentucky Bluegrass is lighter at about 1,200–1,800 lbs. A pallet cannot be lifted by hand — you'll need a forklift, pallet jack, or delivery truck with a lift gate.

Question 5

How do I measure my lawn for sod?

Accepted Answer

Sketch your lawn on paper and break it into simple shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles, L-shapes). Use a measuring tape or wheel to measure each section's dimensions. For rectangles: length × width. For triangles: ½ × base × height. For circles: measure diameter and use π × (diameter ÷ 2)². For L-shapes: treat as a full rectangle minus the cutout rectangle. For identical shapes, use this calculator's 'Number of Areas' field. For different shapes, run separate calculations and manually add the area totals together, then apply waste. See 'How do I calculate how much sod I need?' above for combining results.

Question 6

How do I calculate sod for an irregularly shaped yard?

Accepted Answer

Break the yard into smaller, regular shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles, L-shapes). Measure each section separately with a tape measure. This calculator supports all four shapes — calculate each shape type separately using the 'Number of Areas' field for identical shapes. For complex curves, approximate them as a series of small rectangles or triangles, and add 10–15% waste instead of the standard 5–10%.

Question 7

How much extra sod should I order for waste?

Accepted Answer

Order 5–10% extra for standard rectangular lawns. For lawns with many curves, trees, flower beds, or irregular edges, order 10–15% extra. The waste factor accounts for cuts, fitting around obstacles, and damaged pieces. It is better to have a few extra pieces (which can be used for patching later) than to run short and have to order a partial pallet at a premium price.

Question 8

What's the difference between Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia sod?

Accepted Answer

Bermuda is the most common warm-season grass — drought-tolerant, fine-textured, and quick to establish. St. Augustine has wider blades, better shade tolerance, and thrives in humid coastal areas but needs more water. Zoysia is dense, wear-resistant, and more cold-tolerant than other warm-season grasses, but it grows slowly and takes longer to establish. Fescue is a cool-season grass best for northern climates. Kentucky Bluegrass is a premium cool-season choice with rich color.

Question 9

How much does sod cost per square foot?

Accepted Answer

Sod costs $0.30–$1.00 per square foot on average in the US, depending on grass type and quantity. Bermuda and Fescue are on the lower end ($0.30–$0.75/ft²), while Zoysia and St. Augustine are on the higher end ($0.50–$1.00/ft²). Buying by the pallet is cheaper per square foot than buying individual rolls or slabs. Installation labor adds $0.50–$1.50 per square foot if you hire a professional.

Question 10

How many pallets of sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?

Accepted Answer

For 1,000 square feet of lawn with 10% waste (1,100 ft² total), you'd need 3 pallets of Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Centipede (at 450 ft² per pallet), 3 pallets of Fescue (at 500 ft² per pallet), or 2 pallets of Kentucky Bluegrass (at 550 ft² per pallet). Always round up — you can't buy a fraction of a pallet.

Question 11

How much does a truckload of sod cost?

Accepted Answer

Sod costs $0.30–$1.00 per square foot depending on grass type, or $150–$450 per pallet (450 ft²). Bermuda is typically $150–$350 per pallet, Zoysia $200–$450, and Fescue $130–$300. Prices vary by region, season, and supplier. A 1,000 ft² lawn typically costs $350–$900 for sod alone, plus delivery ($50–$150).

Type	Coverage/Pallet	Weight/Pallet	Best Climate
Bermuda	450 ft²	~1,800 lbs	Warm (zones 7–10)
St. Augustine	450 ft²	~2,500 lbs	Warm, humid (zones 8–10)
Zoysia	450 ft²	~1,800 lbs	Warm, transition (zones 6–9)
Fescue	500 ft²	~1,800 lbs	Cool (zones 3–7)
Centipede	450 ft²	~1,800 lbs	Warm, acidic (zones 7–9)
Kentucky Bluegrass	550 ft²	~1,500 lbs	Cool (zones 3–7)

Sod Calculator

Project summary

What Is a Sod Calculator?

How to Measure Your Lawn for Sod

How Is Sod Quantity Calculated?

Sod Types & Pallet Coverage Guide

Sod Cost Guide

Sod Calculator Examples

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tips for Buying and Laying Sod

Frequently Asked Questions

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