Sod Calculator
Sod is perishable — it starts cooking on the pallet within 24 hours of harvest — so both over-ordering and under-ordering cost real money. This calculator adds a proper cutting-waste allowance to your measured area and converts it into rolls and pallets the way sod farms actually sell them.
How this calculator works
The calculator multiplies your measured area by the waste factor, then divides by standard sales units: rolls of 10 sq ft (2 ft × 5 ft) and pallets of 450 sq ft — the most common size, though farms range from 400 to 500 sq ft, so confirm with your supplier. Lay sod the day it arrives and water within 30 minutes of unrolling each section.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
Usually 450 sq ft, but it varies by farm from 400 to 500 sq ft — always ask. A 450 sq ft pallet weighs 1,500–3,000 lbs depending on moisture, so plan where the delivery truck can set it down; moving a pallet by hand is a full day's punishment.
How much waste should I add when ordering sod?
5% for a simple rectangular lawn, 10% with a few curves, 15% for lots of beds, walkways, and obstacles. Every cut edge generates scrap, and you can't stretch sod — a shortage means a second delivery fee and visible seams between harvest batches.
How soon do I need to lay sod after delivery?
Same day, ideally within hours. On a pallet, sod heats up from its own decomposition and can die within 24–48 hours in summer. If a delay is unavoidable, unstack the rolls into shade and keep them moist — but treat that as damage control, not a plan.