How the sod calculator works
Sod pieces = lawn area × 1.05 ÷ area of one piece
Pallets = lawn area × 1.05 ÷ square feet per pallet
Seed (lb) = lawn area ÷ 1,000 × seeding rate
Worked example
A 40 by 25 foot lawn is 1,000 sq ft. With 5% extra that is 1,050 sq ft, or 394 slabs of 16 by 24 inch sod, about 2.3 pallets of 450 sq ft. Seeding the same area with tall fescue at 6 lb per 1,000 sq ft needs 6 lb of seed.
Sod sizes
| Type | Piece size | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Slab | 16 × 24 in (2.67 sq ft) | About 400 to 500 sq ft |
| Mini roll | About 5 sq ft | About 400 to 500 sq ft |
| Large roll | About 10 sq ft | About 500 to 700 sq ft |
Sizes from Sod Solutions. Tall fescue seeding rates from University of Georgia Extension.
Sod or seed?
| Sod | Seed | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Much higher | Lower |
| Usable lawn | A few weeks | Often a season |
| Best time | Most of the growing season | Cool-season grass: early fall |
Tips
- Prepare and level the soil before delivery; sod should go down the day it arrives.
- Stagger the seams like bricks and water deeply right after laying.
Common questions
How many square feet is a pallet of sod?
Usually 400 to 700 sq ft, depending on the farm and whether it comes in slabs or rolls. 450 sq ft is common for 16 by 24 inch slabs, according to Sod Solutions. Ask your supplier.
How big is a piece of sod?
A standard slab is 16 by 24 inches, about 2.67 sq ft. Mini rolls are often about 5 sq ft and large rolls about 10 sq ft.
How much grass seed do I need per 1,000 sq ft?
It depends on the grass. University of Georgia Extension recommends 5 to 6 lb of tall fescue per 1,000 sq ft for a new lawn and 2 to 6 lb for overseeding. Always follow the rate on your seed bag.
How much extra sod should I order?
About 5% for straight edges and more for curved beds, which the calculator adds automatically.