Sod Calculator
Planning a new lawn? Use our free Sod Calculator to estimate exactly how many rolls or pallets of sod you need for your project, including coverage area and estimated costs.
Standard Roll (2′ x 5′ = 10 sq ft)
Small Roll (1.5′ x 6′ = 9 sq ft)
Compact Roll (16″ x 72″ ≈ 8 sq ft)
Big Roll (450 sq ft)
Recommended: 5% for rectangles, 10% for curves.
How to Measure Your Lawn for Sod
Before ordering sod, getting accurate measurements is critical to avoid running short during installation or overspending on material you don't need. This sod calculator helps you determine the total square footage required.
1. Calculate the Area
For a standard rectangular lawn, the math is simple: Length × Width = Total Area. However, most lawns have unique features:
- Rectangular Sections: Break your yard into smaller rectangles, calculate the area of each, and add them together.
- Triangular Areas: Use the formula (Base × Height) ÷ 2.
- Circular Areas: Measure the radius (distance from center to edge) and use π × r².
- Subtracting Hardscapes: Don't forget to subtract the area of driveways, patios, pools, or flower beds located within the measurement zone.
2. Accounting for Wastage
Professional landscapers never order the exact square footage measured. You must account for waste caused by cutting rolls to fit edges, corners, and around sprinklers.
- Simple Rectangles: Add 5% for waste.
- Curves and Irregular Shapes: Add 10% to 15% for waste.
Understanding Sod Roll Sizes
Sod is harvested in different sizes depending on the farm and the machinery used. The input fields in our calculator allow you to select the most common sizes:
- Standard Rolls (10 sq. ft.): Usually 2 feet wide by 5 feet long. These are the most common for DIY projects as they are manageable by hand.
- Small Rolls (9 sq. ft.): Often 18 inches wide by 6 feet long.
- Big Rolls (300-500 sq. ft.): Large tubes of grass used for massive commercial projects or large open yards. These require a tractor to install.
Sod Installation Cost Factors
While this calculator estimates the material cost, the total cost of a new lawn involves more than just the grass:
- Soil Preparation: Tilling, grading, and adding topsoil.
- Delivery Fees: Pallets are heavy; delivery often costs $100-$200 per truckload.
- Labor: Professional installation typically costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per square foot, excluding materials.
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// 4. Update Output
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'Net Area: ' + rawArea.toLocaleString() + ' sq. ft.
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'Total Area (w/ ' + wastePercent + '% waste): ' + Math.ceil(totalAreaNeeded).toLocaleString() + ' sq. ft.
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'Rolls Needed: ' + totalRolls + '
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'Est. Pallets (approx. 500sf/pallet): ' + estimatedPallets + '
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costHtml;
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