Sod Calculator for a New Lawn
Estimate sod for an entire new-construction lawn.
A brand-new-construction lawn is a full sod install over graded topsoil. Have soil delivered and spread to 4–6 in depth before ordering sod — the trucks come rolled on pallets and the sod must be laid within 24 hours of delivery or it dries out and dies.
Square feet
1,200
133.33 yd²
Rolls
120
Standard 2×5 ft roll
Pallets
3
~450 ft² per pallet
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Recommended tools & materials
Handy picks for this project on Amazon.
Landscape Fabric
Stops weeds under gravel and mulch
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Steel Garden Rake
Spread gravel, soil and mulch evenly
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Heavy-Duty Wheelbarrow
Move bulk material fast
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Hand Tamper
Compact base layers before paving
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How does the sod calculator work?
Sod is sold by the square foot, as individual rolls (2×5 ft = 10 ft²), or on pallets (~450 ft²). Measure your lawn area, then divide by the unit size.
Formula: rolls = area ÷ 10; pallets = area ÷ 450
What else do people ask about this calculator?
How much sod for a 5,000 sq ft new lawn?
About 11–12 pallets (5,000 ÷ 450). Add one extra pallet to cover cuts and give you a small reserve for any strips that don't take.
Sod or seed for a new lawn?
Sod costs 5–8× more but gives you a usable lawn in 2–3 weeks vs. 3–6 months for seed. Sod is also better on slopes where seed would wash away.
How many pieces of sod on a pallet?
A standard pallet holds about 450 ft² — that's 45 rolls at 2×5 ft, or ~165 pieces of 16×24 in slab sod.
How much sod do I need for my yard?
Measure length × width for each grass area. A 1,200 ft² yard needs about 3 pallets or 120 rolls.
Which related calculators should I use next?
Where can I learn more about these materials?
Weights, coverage, types and buying tips for the materials this calculator estimates.
Topsoil guide
Screened, blended, or fill—learn how to specify and order the right topsoil.
Sod guide
Sod is sold by the square foot, piece, or pallet, with one pallet typically covering 400–500 sq ft. Order 5–10% extra for cuts and waste. For successful sod installation, choose a species suited to your climate, prepare the soil thoroughly, lay the sod within 24 hours, and water it immediately.
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