How Much Sod Do I Need?
Sod is sold by area, so the math is short:
Sod to order = lawn area in square feet × 1.05 to 1.10
Then divide by the size of a roll or slab, or by the square feet on a pallet.
Worked example. A 40 × 25 ft lawn is 1,000 sq ft. With 5% extra that’s 1,050 sq ft: 105 rolls of 10 sq ft, or 2.33 pallets of 450 sq ft. Most sod farms will sell you 2 pallets plus 15 loose rolls, which saves paying for most of a third pallet.
| Lawn | Sod to order | Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 525 sq ft | 1.2 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,050 sq ft | 2.3 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,100 sq ft | 4.7 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 3,150 sq ft | 7.0 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 5,250 sq ft | 11.7 |
Pallets, Rolls, and Slabs
Sod Solutions, a turfgrass licensing company, lists three common formats:
| Format | Size of a piece | Typical pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Slabs (mostly the South) | 16 × 24 in, about 2.66 sq ft | 400, 450, or 500 sq ft |
| Mini rolls (mostly the North) | 40 × 18 in, 5 sq ft | 400, 450, or 500 sq ft |
| Large rolls (mostly the North) | 60 × 24 in or 80 × 18 in, 10 sq ft | 500, 600, or 700 sq ft |
Pallet sizes vary by farm, grass type, and how wet the sod is when it’s cut, so check before you order and enter your farm’s number in the calculator.
Before the Sod Arrives
University of Nebraska–Lincoln turf specialists recommend at least 4 in of topsoil, worked to a depth of 4–6 in. Rake out rocks and roots, grade the soil so water runs away from the house, and firm it so you don’t leave footprints deeper than about half an inch. If you need topsoil, the topsoil calculator works out how much.
Sod is perishable. Schedule delivery for when you can lay it the same day, start along a straight edge like a driveway, and stagger the seams like brickwork.
After It’s Down
Water right away. UNL’s guidance is daily watering for the first two weeks, with light afternoon watering on hot days. After 7–10 days, once you can’t easily lift a corner, water less often but more deeply.
How Much Will It Cost?
Sod itself typically runs $0.30–$0.80 a sq ft depending on the grass, plus $50–$250 for delivery. If you’re paying someone to lay it, the sod installation cost calculator adds labor, old lawn removal, and soil prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Sod Is on a Pallet?
A pallet usually holds 400–500 sq ft. In the South, sod comes as 16 × 24 in slabs on pallets of about 400, 450, or 500 sq ft. In the North, mini rolls come in similar pallets and large rolls in 500–700 sq ft pallets. Ask your sod farm.How Big Is a Roll of Sod?
It depends on how it’s cut. Slabs are 16 × 24 in (about 2.66 sq ft), mini rolls about 40 × 18 in (5 sq ft), and large rolls 60 × 24 in or 80 × 18 in (10 sq ft).How Much Extra Sod Should I Order?
Order 5–10% extra to cover trimming around beds, curves, and edges, and any measuring mistakes.How Do I Prepare Soil for Sod?
Have at least 4 in of topsoil and work it to a depth of 4–6 in. Rake it level, firm it, and water it lightly before laying.How Often Should I Water New Sod?
Start watering right after you lay and roll it, then water daily for the first two weeks, adding light afternoon watering in hot weather. After 7–10 days, once roots take hold, water less often but more deeply.Sources
- Square feet per pallet of sod (Sod Solutions)
- Establishing a lawn from sod (University of Nebraska–Lincoln)
- Sod prices (HomeGuide, updated Oct 2025)
Prices are national ballparks checked October 2026. Local prices vary.