DIY Cost Tools
Sod Calculator
Estimate lawn area, sod including waste, rolls, pallets, and material cost from your measurements and supplier coverage.
Measure: Measure each rectangular section in feet. Calculate irregular areas separately, then combine the totals.
How the estimate works: The calculator uses your measurements, unit conversions, waste allowance, and product coverage to create a planning quantity. Review the formula shown above, then read the matching guide below before ordering. See How Our Calculators Work for assumptions and limitations.
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These practical options match the work estimated by this calculator. Verify compatibility, specifications, and the current price before purchasing.
Prepare and grade the soil first, then follow the sod supplier’s watering and installation guidance. Read our advertising disclosure.
How this calculator works
Measured area = length × width × number of sections. The waste allowance is added before converting the purchase area into rolls, pallets, and material cost.
Confirm supplier coverage
Sod roll dimensions and pallet coverage vary by grower, grass type, and region. Replace the defaults with the square footage printed on the supplier quote. Round up because partial rolls and pallets may not be available.
Prepare for prompt installation
Fresh sod is perishable. Coordinate delivery with soil preparation, grading, irrigation, labor, and weather. This estimate does not include topsoil, fertilizer, delivery, equipment, labor, or watering costs.
Read the complete sod calculator planning guide.
Sod-lawn example
A rectangular 40-by-60-foot lawn covers 2,400 square feet. A 5% allowance for trimming, irregular edges, damaged pieces, and matching future repairs raises the order to 2,520 square feet. Divide by the supplier’s pallet coverage and round up to a whole pallet or the quantity the supplier sells. Pallet coverage varies by farm, grass type, slab or roll size, and moisture.
Measure only the areas receiving sod
Split curves and irregular lawns into smaller rectangles, triangles, or circles. Subtract patios, beds, buildings, and other areas that will not receive turf. Confirm soil preparation, grading, drainage, delivery access, installation timing, starter fertilizer, and irrigation before scheduling fresh sod. Because sod is perishable, coordinate labor and watering rather than ordering a large unexplained surplus.