Sod & Grass Calculator

Calculate Sod / Grass

m
m
%

5% for rectangular lawns, 10% for curved

Lawn Area

80.0 m²

With 5% Waste

84.0 m²

Rolls / Pieces

84

~1 m² each

Pallets

1.7

~50 m² each

How This Calculation Works

The sod calculator multiplies the length and width of your lawn area to get the total square footage (or square metres). It then adds a waste percentage to cover trimming around curves, garden beds, walkways, and tree bases.

The result is converted to rolls (or pieces) and pallets. Standard sod rolls vary by region — in North America, a common size is 2 ft × 5 ft (10 ft² per piece). In metric regions, rolls are typically around 1 m². A full pallet covers approximately 500 ft² (50 m²), though this varies by farm.

For irregularly shaped lawns, break the area into rectangles and triangles, calculate each section separately, and add them together before entering the total into this calculator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ordering too little. Running short of sod means waiting for a second delivery — and the first batch may dry out or brown in the meantime. Always round up and add at least 5% waste.
  • Not preparing the soil. Laying sod on compacted, weedy, or ungraded soil leads to poor root contact and patchy growth. Till, grade, and amend the soil before delivery day.
  • Delaying installation. Sod is perishable. It should be laid within 24 hours of delivery (12 hours in hot weather). The rolls on the inside of a pallet can heat up and die quickly.
  • Forgetting to water immediately. New sod needs heavy watering right after installation — enough to soak through the sod and 2–3 cm into the soil below. Continue daily watering for the first two weeks.

Worked Example

Scenario: A front lawn 10 m × 8 m with 5% waste for straight edges.

Step 1 — Area: 10 × 8 = 80 m².

Step 2 — With waste: 80 × 1.05 = 84 m².

Step 3 — Rolls: 84 ÷ 1 m² = 84 rolls (at ~1 m² per roll).

Step 4 — Pallets: 84 ÷ 50 = 1.68 pallets. Order 2 pallets (most farms sell full pallets).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much waste should I add for sod?
Use 5% for rectangular lawns with straight edges. For lawns with curves, garden-bed cutouts, or tree rings, add 10%. For very irregular shapes, 15% is safer.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Spring and early autumn are ideal — the soil is warm enough for root growth but temperatures aren't extreme. Laying sod in summer is possible but requires more intensive watering. Avoid frozen ground in winter.
How long until I can walk on new sod?
Wait at least 2 weeks before light foot traffic, and 3–4 weeks before heavy use. The sod needs time to root into the soil below. You can gently tug a corner — if it resists, roots are forming.
Should I use sod or seed?
Sod gives you an instant lawn and prevents erosion immediately, but it costs more. Seed is cheaper but takes 6–8 weeks to establish and requires careful watering. For slopes, high-traffic areas, or time-sensitive projects, sod is the better choice.