Sod & Grass Seed Calculator
Calculate sod rolls or grass seed needed for your lawn area.
Results
Lawn Area —
Sod Rolls —
Pallets (approx) —
Order 5% extra sod for trimming waste. Sod roll sizes vary by supplier — most common is 2' × 5' (10 sq ft).
Advertisement
How to Calculate Sod
Sod is sold in rolls or pieces, typically covering 10 sq ft each (2' × 5'). To calculate how much you need, measure your lawn area and divide by the roll size.
Sod Formula
Lawn Area = Length × Width (in sq ft)
Rolls = Area × 1.05 (5% waste) / 10 sq ft per roll
Pallets = Rolls / 50 (most pallets hold ~450-500 sq ft)
Rolls = Area × 1.05 (5% waste) / 10 sq ft per roll
Pallets = Rolls / 50 (most pallets hold ~450-500 sq ft)
Grass Seed Rates
Seeding rates vary by grass type and whether you're establishing a new lawn or overseeding:
- Kentucky Bluegrass: 2-3 lbs/1,000 sq ft (new), 1-2 lbs (overseed)
- Tall Fescue: 6-8 lbs/1,000 sq ft (new), 3-4 lbs (overseed)
- Bermuda Grass: 1-2 lbs/1,000 sq ft (new), 0.5-1 lb (overseed)
- Perennial Ryegrass: 6-8 lbs/1,000 sq ft (new), 3-4 lbs (overseed)
- Zoysia: 1-2 lbs/1,000 sq ft (new), 0.5-1 lb (overseed)
Sod vs. Seed
- Sod: Instant lawn, prevents erosion immediately. $0.30-0.80 per sq ft installed.
- Seed: Cheaper ($0.05-0.15 per sq ft), but takes 2-3 weeks to germinate and 6-8 weeks for full coverage.
- Sod is best for slopes, high-traffic areas, and when you need immediate results.
- Seed is best for large areas, budget projects, and when you can wait for results.
Installation Tips
- Install sod within 24 hours of delivery — it starts dying quickly in summer heat
- Prepare soil first: grade, rake, and add topsoil/compost as needed
- Stagger sod seams like bricks — don't line them up
- Water heavily for the first 2 weeks (1" per day) to establish roots
After laying sod, use a lawn roller to press rolls firmly into the soil for better root contact. Consider laying landscape fabric around garden beds to suppress weeds near the new lawn.