How this sod calculator works
Working out how much sod to order comes down to two steps. First, find the area of your lawn and add a little extra for waste: sod = area × (1 + waste%). Then convert that area into the units your supplier sells in — individual pieces and full pallets: pieces = sod area ÷ piece coverage. Measure how big the space is, add about 5–10% for the cuts you will make around curves and edges, and divide.
A standard slab of sod is roughly 16 inches by 24 inches, which works out to about 2.66 square feet per piece. A pallet commonly holds enough slabs to cover around 450 square feet, though some suppliers use 400 or 500. Both figures are configurable here because piece and pallet sizes vary by supplier and region — set them to match your sod farm or store for the most accurate count.
Enter length and width to compute the area, or type a known area directly, and switch between feet and meters with the unit toggle. The calculator also converts the total between square feet and square yards (1 sq yd = 9 sq ft) and always rounds pieces and pallets up, since you cannot buy a fraction of a slab.
Reference note: a standard slab ≈ 2.66 sq ft (16 in × 24 in) and a pallet ≈ 450 sq ft, but both vary by supplier — rolls and large slabs can cover anywhere from about 10 to 60 sq ft, and pallets typically range 400–500 sq ft. These figures are estimates, so confirm sizes with your supplier and round up to allow for cuts and damaged pieces.
| Item | Typical coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard slab | ≈ 2.66 sq ft (16 in × 24 in) | Most common piece size |
| Large slab / small roll | ≈ 5–10 sq ft | Varies by farm |
| Big roll | ≈ 30–60 sq ft | Often machine-laid |
| Pallet | ≈ 400–500 sq ft | 450 sq ft is typical |
Frequently asked questions
- How much sod do I need?
- Measure the area of your lawn in square feet, then add a waste allowance of about 5–10% for cuts around curves and edges. Divide that total by the coverage of one piece (a standard slab covers about 2.66 sq ft) for the number of pieces, and by pallet coverage (about 450 sq ft) to estimate pallets. Always round up.
- How big is a piece or roll of sod?
- A common slab of sod is about 16 inches by 24 inches, covering roughly 2.66 square feet. Sizes vary by supplier and region — some sell larger slabs or rolls of around 10–60 square feet — so confirm the exact dimensions and adjust the piece coverage in the calculator to match.
- How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
- A pallet of sod typically covers around 400–500 square feet, with 450 sq ft a common figure. The exact amount depends on the supplier and the slab size they use, so treat the pallet number as a rough buying guide and verify the coverage before ordering.
- How much extra sod should I add for waste?
- Add about 5–10% extra to cover cuts, trimming around curves, beds and obstacles, and the occasional damaged piece. For simple rectangular lawns 5% is usually enough, while lawns with lots of curves, paths or flower beds are better served by 10% or more.
- Sod or seed — which should I choose?
- Sod gives an instant, established lawn and can be laid in most seasons, but it costs more up front. Seed is much cheaper and offers more grass-variety choice, yet it takes weeks to establish and needs careful watering. Choose sod for fast results or erosion control, and seed when budget and timing allow.
- How do I measure my lawn for sod?
- For a rectangular lawn, measure the length and width and multiply them to get the area. For irregular lawns, split the space into rectangles, measure each, and add the areas together. Enter the length and width here, or type a known area directly, then add a waste allowance.