Construction & DIY

Sod Calculator (Rolls and Pallets for Irregular Yards)

Break your yard into rectangles and a triangle to get sod rolls and pallets.

Your numbers

Symbol only: enter amounts in the currency you pick.
%
A big roll is 2 ft × 5 ft = 10 sq ft.
$

Your results

Lawn area (sq ft)
Lawn area (sq ft)
—
Sod to buy (sq ft)
—
Rolls of sod
—
Pallets of sod
—
Estimated cost
—

Sod Calculator (Rolls and Pallets for Irregular Yards) by TheCalcTools

How the Sod Calculator (Rolls and Pallets for Irregular Yards) works

Split your yard into rectangles and a triangle and enter their sizes.

Subtract areas that will not be sodded, such as patios, flower beds and trees.

Add waste for cutting, then divide by the roll or pallet size.

The formula

Area = Σ(length × width) + ½ × base × height − excluded areas

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator:

Rectangle 1 length (ft)40
Rectangle 1 width (ft)30
Rectangle 2 length (ft)20
Rectangle 2 width (ft)15
Triangle base (ft)12
Triangle height (ft)10
Area to subtract: patio, beds, trees (sq ft)150
Waste7 %
Sod roll size (sq ft)10
Pallet covers (sq ft)450
Price per sq ft$0.45
  1. 40 × 30 + 20 × 15 + ½ × 12 × 10 − 150 = 1,410 sq ft.
  2. With 7% waste buy 1,509 sq ft: 151 rolls or 3.4 pallets, about $678.92.

Result:

Lawn area (sq ft)1,410
Sod to buy (sq ft)1,509
Rolls of sod151
Pallets of sod3.4
Estimated cost$678.92

Frequently asked questions

How much does a pallet of sod cover?

Usually 400 to 500 sq ft, depending on the grower. Ask the farm for the exact figure.

When should I lay the sod?

Lay it within 24 hours of delivery, water it right away and keep it moist for the first 2 weeks.

Sources and further reading

More in Construction & DIY · All calculators

This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.