To work out how much sod you need, measure your lawn’s length and width in feet, multiply them for the square footage, then add about 10% for cuts and waste. Most sod is sold by the pallet (around 450 square feet) or by the slab (around 2.7 square feet). Use the calculator below to get your exact amount, in square feet, pallets, and slabs, plus an estimated cost.
Key Takeaways
- Sod needed (sq ft) = length (ft) × width (ft), plus a 5 to 15% waste allowance.
- One pallet covers roughly 450 square feet (this varies by farm, usually 400 to 500).
- One slab or piece covers roughly 2.7 square feet; one large roll often covers 10.
- Sod typically costs $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot, or about $150 to $450 per pallet installed.
- Add more waste allowance for curved or obstacle-heavy lawns so you do not run short.
Irregular lawn? Split it into rectangles, work out each one, and add them together. Pallet coverage varies by supplier (usually 400 to 500 sq ft), so confirm before you order.
How to measure your lawn for sod
Measure the length and width of each lawn area in feet, then multiply the two numbers to get the area in square feet. For a 40 ft by 25 ft backyard, that is 1,000 square feet. If your lawn is not a clean rectangle, break it into smaller rectangles, measure each one, and add the totals together.
- Walk the longest straight edge and measure its length in feet.
- Measure the width at a right angle to that edge.
- Multiply length by width for the square footage of that section.
- Repeat for every section, then add them up.
- Enter the total in the calculator and pick a waste allowance.
How is sod sold?
Sod is sold three common ways, and the calculator gives you all three so you can match whatever your supplier uses.
| Unit | Typical coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Square foot | 1 sq ft | Comparing prices |
| Slab / piece | ~2.7 sq ft (about 16 in x 24 in) | Small lawns and patches |
| Pallet | ~450 sq ft (range 400 to 500) | Whole lawns |
How much does sod cost?
Sod usually costs $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot for the turf alone, which works out to roughly $150 to $450 per pallet. Professional installation adds labor and typically lands the total at $1 to $2 per square foot. Enter your local price per square foot in the calculator for an estimate tailored to your project.
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Build My Lawn Plan →How much extra sod should you add?
Always order a little more than your measured area. Cutting sod to fit curves, garden beds, and edges creates offcuts you cannot reuse. A 5% allowance suits a simple square lawn, 10% is a safe default, and 15% is wise for very irregular shapes or lawns with lots of trees and beds. Running one slab short on installation day is far more costly than a small surplus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?
For 1,000 square feet, order about 1,100 square feet of sod once you add a 10% waste allowance. That is roughly 3 pallets at 450 square feet each, or about 413 slabs at 2.7 square feet each.
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
A pallet of sod usually covers about 450 square feet, though it ranges from roughly 400 to 500 depending on the farm and the slab size. Always confirm the exact coverage with your supplier before ordering.
How much does a pallet of sod cost?
A pallet of sod typically costs $150 to $450 depending on the grass type and your region. That equals about $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot for the turf, before installation.
Should I add extra sod for waste?
Yes. Add 5 to 15% extra to cover offcuts from curves, beds, and edges. Use 10% as a safe default and 15% for very irregular lawns. It is cheaper than making a second trip if you come up short.
Once your sod is down, get a free personalised lawn care plan to keep it healthy, and see our seed vs sod guide and grass type guides to choose the right turf.
