Sod Calculator
Sod Calculator
Estimate sod for lawns and landscaping by splitting your project into zones, selecting a shape for each zone, and adding a waste factor. The calculator also estimates rolls/pallets using standard sod sizes, plus optional topsoil volume and total cost in USD.
Sod Calculator
Multi-zone area, rolls/pallets, topsoil, and cost
Lawn sections
Zone 1
Choose a shape and enter dimensions
Optional inputs
Topsoil volume uses total area (no waste). Depth is in inches for feet/yards, and centimetres for meters.
Enter dimensions above to calculate
Standard sod sizes
Sod is commonly sold as rolls/slabs and bundled on pallets. Select the preset that matches your supplier.
| Region | Roll size | Roll area | Rolls/pallet | Pallet area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Standard | 2′ × 5′ | 10 ft² | 50 | 500 ft² |
| US Slab | 16″ × 24″ | 2.67 ft² | 180 | 480 ft² |
| US Big Roll | 4′ × 50′ | 200 ft² | 5 | 1,000 ft² |
| Metric | 0.5 m × 1 m | 0.5 m² | 100 | 50 m² |
Step-by-step formulas
1. Calculate area by shape
Measure each lawn section (zone) and choose the matching shape. If your lawn is irregular, break it into multiple simple zones and add them together.
2. Add a waste allowance
Waste accounts for trimming, curves, obstacles, and small measurement errors. This calculator uses a waste slider from 5–15% (10% default).
3. Estimate rolls or pallets (optional)
Select a standard sod size preset to estimate rolls needed. The calculator also estimates full pallets plus remaining loose rolls.
4. Estimate cost (optional)
Enter a price per pallet and a price per loose roll to estimate total cost in USD. Delivery, installation, and soil prep are typically separate.
5. Topsoil volume (optional)
If you plan to topdress or build up the lawn, enter a topsoil depth to estimate volume. In imperial units, depth is in inches; in metric, depth is in centimetres.
Examples
Example 1: Rectangular lawn (feet)
A 40 ft × 25 ft lawn with 10% waste.
Aₒᵣdₑᵣ = 1,000 × 1.10 = 1,100 ft²
Example 2: Two-zone (L-shape) lawn
Split an L-shape into two rectangles: Zone 1 is 20 × 12 and Zone 2 is 10 × 8 (same units). Add areas, then apply waste.
Aₒᵣdₑᵣ = 320 × (1 + Waste%)
Example 3: Circular area (meters)
A circular lawn with diameter 12 m and 10% waste.
Aₒᵣdₑᵣ ≈ 113.10 × 1.10 ≈ 124.41 m²
Pro tips for ordering sod
- Measure the largest rectangle and subtract cutouts if needed (beds, patios, pools).
- Order a little extra to match dye lot / batch and avoid delayed patching.
- Confirm coverage per pallet/roll with your supplier before ordering.
- If your lawn is an L-shape or complex, split it into zones and add them.
- Schedule delivery close to installation time — sod is a perishable product.
FAQs
- How much extra sod should I order for waste?
- This calculator uses a waste range of 5–15% (10% default). Use a lower value for simple rectangles and a higher value for curves, tight cuts, and obstacles.
- How do I calculate sod for an irregular or L-shaped lawn?
- Break the lawn into simple sections (zones) like rectangles, triangles, or trapezoids, then add the areas together. The calculator supports multiple zones and an L-shape option as two rectangles.
- Is sod sold by square feet or by pallets?
- Both are common. Many suppliers sell pallets with a fixed number of rolls/slabs. This calculator estimates full pallets plus remaining loose rolls based on the preset roll and pallet coverage.
- Can I estimate topsoil volume for sod installation?
- Yes. Enter an optional topsoil depth to get a volume estimate. In imperial units, depth is in inches; in metric units, depth is in centimetres.