Sod Calculator
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What Your Result Means
- Square Footage: The raw area of your lawn based on length times width. For irregularly shaped lawns, break the area into rectangles and add them together.
- With Waste: The adjusted area after adding your waste factor. A 5–10% waste allowance accounts for trimming around edges, curves, and obstacles like trees or flower beds.
- Pallets Needed: The number of sod pallets required, based on the industry standard of 500 square feet per pallet. Pallets are rounded up since you cannot buy partial pallets.
- Total Cost: The estimated material cost based on pallets multiplied by your price per pallet. This does not include delivery, soil preparation, or installation labor.
How This Calculator Works
You enter the lawn length and width in feet, a waste percentage (defaulting to 5%), and an optional price per pallet. The tool multiplies length by width for raw square footage, adds the waste factor, then divides by 500 (the standard square footage per sod pallet) and rounds up. If you enter a price per pallet, it multiplies to show total material cost. It assumes a standard rectangular lawn — for irregular shapes, measure and add multiple rectangles.
Quick Questions
How much sod is on one pallet?
A standard sod pallet covers approximately 450–500 square feet, depending on the grass type and supplier. This calculator uses 500 sq ft per pallet as the industry standard. Confirm the exact coverage with your local sod farm before ordering.
How much waste should I plan for?
For rectangular lawns with few obstacles, 5% waste is usually sufficient. For curved edges, flower beds, tree rings, or irregular shapes, increase to 8–10%. Complex layouts with many cuts may need up to 15% waste allowance.
How much does sod cost per pallet?
Sod prices vary widely by grass type and region. Common varieties range from $150–$450 per pallet. Bermuda and fescue tend to be less expensive, while zoysia and St. Augustine cost more. Delivery fees are usually separate and can add $50–$150.
Do I need to prepare the soil before laying sod?
Yes. Remove existing grass and weeds, grade the soil to ensure proper drainage, add topsoil or compost if needed, and rake smooth. The soil surface should be about 1 inch below the level of adjacent walkways or driveways so the sod sits flush after installation.
How soon after delivery should I install the sod?
Install sod within 24 hours of delivery — ideally the same day. Sod on a pallet heats up quickly and can begin to yellow and die within 24–48 hours, especially in warm weather. Water each section immediately after laying it.
Sources
- University of Georgia Extension — Lawns in Georgia (B-1322) (sod installation and care guidelines)
- Wikipedia — Sod (pallet coverage standards and grass types)
Method & review
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas. Double-check important decisions independently.