Sod Calculator
A 2,000 sq ft lawn (with 5% waste) needs 210 hand rolls or 5 pallets of sod — $600–$2,000 delivered. Enter your lawn size and grass type for an exact estimate.
Inputs
Estimate
- Sod needed (with 5% waste)2100 sq ft
- Rolls needed210rolls
- Pallets (450 sq ft per pallet)Standard pallet = 450 sq ft. Some suppliers use 500 sq ft.5pallets
- Sod cost — low$630
- Sod cost — high$1,680
See it before you build
Upload a photo of your home and preview your project in 30+ styles with AI. 3 free designs, no credit card.
Try Remodel AI freeHow to calculate sod needed
Sod is sold in three forms: hand rolls (10 sq ft each, the most common), slabs (2.5 sq ft each, less common), and big rolls (50 sq ft each, requires equipment to install). Multiply your lawn area by 1.05 to add 5% waste for cutting around edges and obstacles.
Pallets are the standard wholesale unit. One pallet = 450 sq ft (some suppliers use 500). Order in full pallets when possible — partial pallets often cost the same as full ones.
Best time to sod cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass): spring or early fall. Warm-season (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine): late spring through summer. Lay sod within 24–48 hours of delivery to prevent it from drying out.
Formulas used
- Sod area
lawn_area × 1.05Add 5% waste for cutting around curves and obstacles. - Rolls
sod_area / roll_sizeStandard hand rolls = 10 sq ft. Big rolls = 50 sq ft. - Pallets
sod_area / 450Standard pallet covers 450 sq ft. Some suppliers use 500.
Frequently asked questions
How many sq ft does a pallet of sod cover?+
Standard sod pallets cover 450 square feet. Some suppliers (especially in the Southeast) use 500 sq ft pallets. Confirm with your supplier before ordering.
How much does sod cost per square foot?+
Sod costs $0.30–$1.00 per square foot delivered. Installed cost is $1.00–$2.50 per square foot. A 2,000 sq ft lawn costs $600–$2,000 for sod alone, or $2,000–$5,000 installed.
How many rolls of sod do I need?+
Hand rolls cover 10 sq ft each. A 2,000 sq ft lawn (plus 5% waste = 2,100 sq ft) needs 210 hand rolls or 5 pallets. Big rolls cover 50 sq ft and need equipment to install.
Can I install sod myself?+
Hand rolls and slabs can be installed by 1–2 people for small lawns (under 2,000 sq ft). Big rolls require a sod-roller machine. For lawns over 5,000 sq ft, professional installation is faster and usually only adds $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft.
When is the best time to lay sod?+
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass): spring or early fall when soil temps are 50–70°F. Warm-season (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine): late spring through summer when soil temps are 60°F+.