How much sod do I need?
Sod is sold by the square foot, so all you need is the area of your lawn plus a little extra for cutting around edges, beds and paths.
Sod (sq ft) = Lawn area × (1 + waste %)
Pallets = Sod ÷ square feet per pallet
Pallets = Sod ÷ square feet per pallet
Worked example
A 1,000 sq ft lawn with 5% extra needs 1,050 sq ft of sod. At 450 sq ft per pallet that's 3 pallets (2.33 rounded up), or 105 standard rolls.
Common sod sizes
| Piece | Size | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Standard roll | 2 × 5 ft | 10 sq ft |
| Slab (common in the South) | 16 × 24 in | 2.67 sq ft |
| Big roll (machine laid) | 2.5 × 40 ft or larger | 100+ sq ft |
| Pallet | varies | 400–500 sq ft |
Before the sod arrives
- Clear old grass and weeds, then loosen the top few inches of soil.
- Spread 2–4 in of topsoil if your soil is poor. The topsoil calculator works out how much.
- Rake level and water the soil the day before.
- Lay sod the day it's delivered. It dries out fast on the pallet, especially in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
Usually 400–500 sq ft, depending on the farm and grass type. Ask your supplier, and enter their figure above.
How many pallets of sod do I need for a quarter acre?
A quarter acre is about 10,890 sq ft. With 5% extra that's around 11,435 sq ft, or 26 pallets of 450 sq ft.
How much extra sod should I order?
5% for simple rectangular lawns, and 10% if you have curved beds, lots of edges or trees to cut around.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Material weights are typical industry averages and vary by supplier, moisture and compaction.