Sod Calculator
Calculate pallets of sod needed for any yard, with 5% waste built in.
Pick a yard shape (or enter total square footage), set pallet size, and get pallets needed plus optional cost.
Yard area
Sod type
How sod is sold
Sod is sold by the pallet (also called a "skid" or "pallet of sod"). Pallet sizes vary by region and grower; common sizes:
- 450 sq ft per pallet: common in the southern US (60 small pieces of 16x24 inches each)
- 500 sq ft per pallet: common in some Texas / Florida operations
- 675 sq ft per pallet: larger rolls used in the Pacific Northwest
- 200-250 sq ft per pallet: some specialty/premium turf varieties
Call your local sod farm or landscape supplier and confirm pallet size before ordering.
Why we add 5 percent waste
Cutting sod to fit irregular borders, working around trees and beds, and unusable end pieces all add up. A 5 percent waste factor is the standard cushion. For very irregular yards with lots of curves or small beds, bump to 10 percent.
Installation timing matters
Order sod for the day you plan to lay it. Sod sitting on a pallet starts dying within 24-48 hours, especially in hot weather. Water within 30 minutes of laying each section. Plan delivery for the morning of installation.
Beyond sod cost
Total sod project cost typically includes: sod itself (about half of total), site prep (clearing old grass, grading, soil amendment), and installation labor. Pro installation typically costs $1-2 per square foot all-in, while DIY brings it down to roughly half that price for materials only.