Sod
53 rolls
Sod rolls or pallets
Sod is usually bought from a local farm or garden center by the roll or pallet. Confirm the grass type and roll/pallet size, and install it the day it arrives.
Sod calculator
Sod calculator for rolls and pallets.
Enter the lawn size to estimate sod rolls and pallets, with a waste allowance for cuts and curves. A 20 x 25 ft lawn needs about 53 rolls (2 pallets).
20 x 25 ft lawn
53 rolls
2 pallets
Roll
~10 sq ft
2 x 5 ft standard
Pallet
~450 sq ft
about 45 rolls
Quick reference
Sod rolls and pallets by lawn size
10 sq ft rolls and 450 sq ft pallets with the default 5% waste. Roll and pallet sizes vary by farm — confirm before ordering.
| Lawn area | Rolls | Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 53 | 2 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 105 | 3 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 210 | 5 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 525 | 12 |
| 10,000 sq ft | 1,050 | 24 |
Split an irregular lawn into rectangles, measure each, and add the areas.
Quick sod answers
Common lawn sizes
20 x 25 lawn (500 sq ft)
53 rolls
about 2 pallets
40 x 50 yard (2,000 sq ft)
210 rolls
about 5 pallets
15 x 20 strip (300 sq ft)
32 rolls
about 1 pallets
Prep the soil first
Sod roots best in loose, graded topsoil. Estimate the soil with the topsoil calculator, then add a starter fertilizer before laying sod.
Shopping list
Sod, soil prep, and tools
Roll count updates from the calculator. Sod is usually local and perishable — order from a nearby farm and install the day it arrives.
Soil prep
Topsoil and starter fertilizer
Sod roots best in loose, graded topsoil with a starter fertilizer. Estimate the soil with the topsoil calculator.
Install tools
Roller, knife, and rake
A sod roller presses out air gaps, a sharp knife trims edges and curves, and a rake levels the soil first.
Establish
Sprinkler and water timer
New sod needs frequent, even watering for the first weeks. A sprinkler and a hose timer make it consistent.
Formula shown
How the sod estimate works
1. Lawn area
area = length ft x width ft
2. Add waste
order area = area x (1 + waste)
3. Rolls and pallets
rolls = ceil(order area / 10); pallets = ceil(order area / 450)
Sources
- Sod roll and pallet coverage — standard 2 x 5 roll (10 sq ft) and pallet (~450 sq ft) references
- Lawn establishment guidance — soil prep, watering, and sod establishment basics
Sources checked
Checked against
Bulk densities, bag sizes, and coverage depths checked against supplier and retail product specs.
How we check our numbersLast updated: June 26, 2026
Estimate only.
This calculator is not a quote. Verify product yield, price, delivery minimums, and local conditions with your supplier or contractor before buying materials.
FAQ
Sod calculator questions
How much sod you need, square feet per roll and pallet, waste, and soil prep.
How much sod do I need? + -
Measure the lawn length and width and multiply for square feet, then divide by the roll or pallet coverage. A 20 x 25 ft lawn (500 sq ft) needs about 53 rolls or 2 pallets with a 5% waste allowance for cuts.
How many square feet in a roll or pallet of sod? + -
A standard sod roll covers about 10 square feet (2 x 5 ft). A pallet covers roughly 450 square feet and holds about 45 rolls, though sizes vary by sod farm. Confirm the exact roll and pallet size before ordering.
How much extra sod should I order? + -
Add about 5% to 10% for cuts, curves, and odd-shaped areas. Rounded beds, tree rings, and diagonal edges waste more, so lean toward the higher end for a complex yard.
How do I prep for sod? + -
Clear the area, grade and loosen the topsoil, add a starter fertilizer, and lightly water the soil before laying sod. Install it the day it is delivered and water it in right away.