How to measure for sod
Measure only the ground that will actually get grass. Sketch the yard, then break it into rectangles: front lawn, side strips, back lawn. Measure each in feet, multiply length by width, and add them up. Subtract anything you won't sod — patios, planting beds, a shed footprint — or simply leave those areas out of your rectangles.
- Curves and odd shapes: measure the largest rectangle that encloses the curve, then estimate the fraction that will be grass. Over-measuring slightly is better than coming up short — you can't buy a matching piece later from a different harvest without a visible seam.
- Triangles (corners, wedge-shaped beds) are half of length × width.
- Several separate areas: total them with the square footage calculator, then use the "I already know the area" option here.
The sod formula
Pieces = area to order ÷ area of one piece, rounded up
Pallets = area to order ÷ coverage per pallet, rounded up
A standard 16 × 24 in slab is 384 sq in, which is 384 ÷ 144 = 2.67 sq ft. A 2 × 5 ft roll covers 10 sq ft. If your farm cuts a different size, choose "Custom" and enter it in inches.
Worked example: a 50 × 20 ft back lawn
The lawn is 50 × 20 = 1,000 sq ft. With 5% extra, order for 1,050 sq ft. Using 16 × 24 in slabs, 1,050 ÷ 2.667 ≈ 393.8, so you need 394 slabs. At 450 sq ft per pallet that's 1,050 ÷ 450 = 2.33 pallets — 3 pallets if your supplier only sells full pallets, or 2 pallets plus 57 loose slabs for the remaining 150 sq ft if they'll sell partial pallets.
Common sod sizes and pallets
| Piece | Size | Coverage per piece | Pieces per 1,000 sq ft (no waste) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slab (most common for homeowners) | 16 × 24 in | 2.67 sq ft | 375 |
| Small roll | 2 × 5 ft | 10 sq ft | 100 |
| Big roll (installed by machine) | Varies by farm | Varies | — |
Pallet coverage is not standardized. It depends on the farm, the grass variety and how the sod is cut, and is commonly somewhere around 400–500 sq ft — about 150–190 standard slabs. The calculator defaults to 450 sq ft; replace it with your supplier's number, because it decides how many pallets you pay for. Full pallets are heavy and are usually set down with a truck-mounted forklift, so plan where the driver can drop them.
Prepare the soil before the sod arrives
- Clear the area. Remove old turf, weeds, roots and rocks. Sod laid over existing grass roots poorly.
- Test the soil if you can (your county extension office can tell you how) and correct pH or nutrients based on the results.
- Loosen and grade. Till or loosen the top few inches, work in compost or topsoil where the soil is poor, and grade so water drains away from the house. Spreading 1 in of topsoil over 1,000 sq ft takes about 3.1 cubic yards — the topsoil calculator will size it for you.
- Rake smooth and firm it. Finish with the soil about an inch below walks and driveways so the new sod sits flush. Lightly roll or water to settle soft spots.
Ordering and laying tips
- Lay it the day it arrives. Sod is a living, perishable product. Stacked on a pallet it heats up and dries out quickly, especially in warm weather. Have the soil prepared before delivery and schedule enough help to lay everything that day. If you must hold some overnight, keep it shaded and moist.
- Start along a straight edge such as a driveway or sidewalk, and stagger the joints like brickwork. Butt the edges tightly without overlapping or stretching.
- Cut, don't fold. Trim pieces to fit around beds and curves with a sharp knife. Avoid small slivers at the edges, which dry out first — use bigger pieces at the perimeter.
- On slopes, lay pieces across the slope and pin them with sod staples or stakes until they root.
- Water immediately after laying, enough to soak through the sod into the soil beneath, then keep it consistently moist until the roots knit into the soil. Stay off it as much as possible during that time.
- Order the same variety that suits your sun, shade and climate. Your local sod farm or extension office can tell you which grasses do well where you live.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a piece of sod?
A standard 16 × 24 in slab covers 2.67 sq ft (384 sq in ÷ 144). A 2 × 5 ft roll covers 10 sq ft. Sizes vary by farm, so confirm with your supplier.
How many pieces of sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?
About 375 standard 16 × 24 in slabs, or 394 with 5% extra for cuts. With 2 × 5 ft rolls it's 100 rolls, or 105 with 5% extra.
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
It varies by farm and grass type, but 400–500 sq ft per pallet is common. Always ask your supplier, since it decides how many pallets you need.
How long can sod sit on the pallet before laying?
As little as possible — plan to lay it the same day it's delivered. Stacked sod heats up and dries out quickly, especially in warm weather, so have your soil prepared before it arrives.
How much extra sod should I order?
About 5% for simple rectangular lawns and up to 10% for yards with curves, many beds or trees to cut around.