Sod Calculator

How much sod do I need?
To find how much sod you need, measure your lawn area’s length and width in feet and multiply for square footage; for irregular yards, break the space into rectangles, triangles, and circles, calculate each, and add them up. Sod is sold by the piece, by the roll, or by the pallet (a pallet typically covers 400 to 500 square feet). Add about 5 to 10% extra for cuts around curves and edges. Our Sod Calculator converts your area into pieces and pallets.

What type of grass sod should I choose? 
Choose a sod variety suited to your climate and sun exposure. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass thrive in northern regions and tolerate cold. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, and centipede flourish in hot southern climates and go dormant in winter. Within those, consider shade tolerance, foot traffic, drought resistance, and how much maintenance you want. Your local sod farm or extension office can recommend the best variety for your specific yard and conditions.

How do I prepare the ground before laying sod? 
Prepare the ground by removing old grass and weeds, then loosening the top 4 to 6 inches of soil and grading it smooth with a slight slope away from buildings for drainage. Add topsoil or compost if the soil is poor, and rake out rocks and debris. Lightly firm and moisten the soil just before laying sod so the roots make good contact. Good prep is the single biggest factor in whether sod takes root—don’t skip it.

When is the best time to lay sod? 
The best time to lay sod is during your grass type’s active growing season: spring and early fall for cool-season grasses (like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass), and late spring through summer for warm-season grasses (like Bermuda and zoysia). Avoid laying sod in extreme heat or freezing conditions. Lay it the same day it’s delivered, since sod dries out fast on the pallet. Water it thoroughly right after installation and keep it consistently moist while it roots.

How many square feet does a pallet of sod cover? 
A pallet of sod typically covers about 400 to 500 square feet, though this varies by supplier and the size of the slabs or rolls. Individual sod pieces are often around 16 inches by 24 inches (about 2.67 square feet each), so a 450 square foot pallet holds roughly 168 pieces. Always confirm coverage with your supplier, since slab sizes differ regionally. Calculate your total square footage first, then divide by the pallet coverage to know how many pallets to order.