🌱 Sod Calculator

How Sod Is Sold: Rolls, Slabs & Pallets

• Rolls: The standard roll is 2 ft × 5 ft = 10 sq ft. Some farms cut 16" × 81" slabs (9 sq ft) instead — check before you order.
• Pallets: Most pallets carry 450 sq ft, but farms range from 400 to 500 sq ft. A pallet weighs 1,500–3,000 lbs depending on moisture — do not plan to move one with a pickup and two friends.
• Price: In 2026, sod runs roughly $0.35–$0.90 per sq ft for material ($160–$400 per pallet), and $1–$2 per sq ft installed.

Irregular lawn? Break it into rectangles, calculate each, and add them — or measure total area first with our Square Footage Calculator.

Prep Determines Whether Sod Lives or Dies

Sod fails from bad prep far more often than bad grass. Before the truck arrives:

• Kill and strip the old lawn — sod laid over existing grass will not root.
• Add 4–6 inches of quality topsoil if your grade is thin. Size the order with our Dirt & Topsoil Calculator.
• Grade away from the house — a 2% slope (¼ inch per foot) prevents drainage problems.
• Rake, roll lightly, and water the soil the day before installation.

Laying Sod: The Short Version

• Start along a straight edge (driveway or walkway).
• Stagger seams like brickwork — never let four corners meet.
• Butt edges tight without stretching; gaps dry out and die first.
• Roll the finished lawn to press roots into soil contact.
• Water immediately and daily for two weeks; don't mow until it resists a gentle tug (10–14 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a pallet of sod cover?

Most commonly 450 sq ft, but farms range from 400 to 500 sq ft per pallet. Always confirm with the supplier — a 50 sq ft difference across a big lawn changes your pallet count.

How much does a pallet of sod weigh?

1,500 to 3,000 lbs depending on soil moisture and cut thickness. Wet sod after rain is dramatically heavier. It requires a forklift or heavy-duty trailer, not a pickup bed.

How many rolls of sod are on a pallet?

A 450 sq ft pallet holds about 45 standard 10-sq-ft rolls, or 50 slabs of the 9-sq-ft size.

When is the best time to lay sod?

Early fall and spring are ideal — warm soil, mild air, natural rain. Summer works if you can water aggressively. Avoid laying sod on frozen ground.

How much extra sod should I order?

Add 5% for a rectangular lawn, and 10% for lawns with curves, trees, and beds — every curved cut generates scrap.