Sod Calculator
Work out how much sod (turf) a lawn needs — rolls and pallets, with a cutting allowance, from your supplier's roll and pallet sizes.
Sod is sold by the roll and the pallet, and the sizes are not standard — so this calculator asks for yours. Give it the lawn area and the roll and pallet coverage, and it gives you both counts.
Order for the same day you lay it: sod dries out fast once cut.
Your results
Enter your measurements and press Calculate.
Quantities are rounded up to whole tiles, planks, boxes or bags, after the wastage allowance. Cost appears only when you enter a price.
Formula
All lengths are converted to a single unit before the calculation: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft² = 0.09290304 m², 1 yd² = 9 ft². Material quantities are rounded up — you cannot buy part of a tile, plank or bag.
How to use this calculator
- Choose the shape of the lawn area.
- Enter the roll and pallet coverage from your supplier.
- Set wastage at 10%.
- Add a price per roll if you want a cost estimate.
Worked example
| Lawn | 50 ft × 20 ft = 1,000 ft² |
|---|---|
| With 10% wastage | 1,000 × 1.10 = 1,100 ft² |
| Rolls (10 ft² each) | ⌈1,100 ÷ 10⌉ = 110 rolls |
| Pallets (450 ft² each) | ⌈1,100 ÷ 450⌉ = 3 pallets |
Check it by hand: every step above uses the formula in the box. If your numbers match the example inputs but the calculator gives a different answer, please report it via the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need?
The lawn area plus 10% for cutting. A 1,000 ft² lawn needs 110 rolls of 10 ft² — or 3 pallets of 450 ft². Enter your supplier's roll size above; it varies.
How big is a roll of sod?
A standard roll is about 2 × 5 ft (10 ft²), but suppliers differ — some sell 2 × 4 ft rolls. A pallet is usually 450–500 ft². Always check the coverage before ordering.
Should I lay sod or sow seed?
Sod gives an instant lawn and works in any season, but costs much more. Seed is cheaper and gives a stronger root system, but takes weeks. Use the lawn seed calculator to compare.
How do I lay sod?
On levelled, moist topsoil, in staggered rows like brickwork, edges tight together. Water heavily on the day it is laid and keep it damp for two weeks.
Related calculators
Estimates only. Results are for planning. Measure twice, confirm box coverage and tile sizes on the packaging you buy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. See the disclaimer.