40×30 ft yard, 5% waste, 8×2 ft rolls
- Area = 1,200 sq ft
- Adjusted = 1,260 sq ft
- Rolls ≈ 78.75
- Pallets ≈ 1.75 (round up to 2)
construction calculator
Sod Calculator
Estimate sod rolls, pallets, and cost with a waste buffer for curves and trimming.
Results
- Area (sq ft)
- 1200.00
- Area with waste (sq ft)
- 1260.00
- Rolls needed
- 78.75
- Pallets needed (approx.)
- 0.17
- Estimated cost
- $882
How to use this calculator
- Enter lawn length and width in feet.
- Set a waste/trim allowance percentage.
- Adjust roll size if your supplier uses a different dimension.
- Optional: add cost per square foot to estimate total sod cost.
Inputs explained
- Lawn length/width
- Rectangular approximation of the area to sod. Break complex shapes into sections if needed.
- Waste/trim allowance (%)
- Extra coverage for curves, overlaps, and cutting losses.
- Roll length/width
- Common rolls are 8 ft × 2 ft (16 sq ft). Update if your supplier differs.
- Cost per sq ft
- Supplier price for sod. Leave as-is or update to your quote.
How it works
Area = length × width; we add a waste allowance for trimming and curves.
Rolls needed = adjusted area ÷ (roll length × roll width). Pallets assume ~450 sq ft each by default.
Formula
Area = Length × Width Adjusted area = Area × (1 + Waste%) Rolls = Adjusted area ÷ (Roll length × Roll width) Pallets ≈ Rolls ÷ 450 sq ft per pallet Cost = Adjusted area × Cost per sq ft
When to use it
- Ordering sod for new lawns, patching bare areas, or flipping a yard quickly.
- Budgeting pallets for delivery vs. picking up rolls yourself.
- Comparing supplier quotes with different roll sizes or pricing.
Tips & cautions
- Round up rolls/pallets to cover curves and mistakes—running short is costly.
- Measure multiple sections for irregular yards and sum the areas before calculating rolls.
- Confirm pallet coverage with your supplier; 450 sq ft is common but can vary.
- Assumes rectangular sections; irregular shapes need section-by-section approximation.
- Pallet coverage varies by supplier—update if your pallets cover more/less than ~450 sq ft.
- Does not include soil prep, delivery fees, or labor.
Worked examples
Front + back yard split, 5% waste
- Front 25×20 = 500 sq ft; Back 35×25 = 875 sq ft
- Total = 1,375 sq ft
- Adjusted ≈ 1,444 sq ft
- Rolls ≈ 90.25; Pallets ≈ 2.02
Deep dive
This sod calculator converts lawn dimensions into rolls, pallets, and cost with a waste/trim buffer for curves and overlaps.
Use it to order sod confidently—just enter length, width, roll size, and your supplier price if you want a budget estimate.
FAQs
- How much waste should I add?
- 5–10% is common. Use more for curvy edges or lots of obstacles; use less for perfect rectangles.
- What if my rolls are a different size?
- Update roll length/width to match your supplier; the calculator will recompute rolls and pallets.
- How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
- 450 sq ft is common, but suppliers vary (400–500+). Adjust your expectations or rolls accordingly.
- Does this include soil prep or delivery?
- No. Add soil prep, delivery, and labor separately to your budget.
- Can I use this for patching spots?
- Yes—measure each patch, sum the areas, and run the calculator. Round up rolls for cutting waste.
Related calculators
construction
Topsoil Calculator
Estimate cubic yards of topsoil plus cost with a waste buffer for new lawns, beds, and grading.
construction
Mulch Calculator
Estimate how many cubic yards or bags of mulch you need for beds, trees, or playgrounds.
construction
Gravel Volume Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and tons of gravel required for driveways, pads, or drainage projects.
Estimates only. Verify measurements on site and confirm roll sizes, pallet coverage, and pricing with your supplier.