Sod Square Footage Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the amount of sod you need for your lawn project, including an allowance for waste and an estimated cost.
Understanding Your Sod Needs
Sodding a new lawn or repairing an existing one can significantly enhance your property's curb appeal. However, accurately calculating the amount of sod required is crucial to avoid over-ordering (wasting money) or under-ordering (causing delays and potential color mismatches).
How to Measure Your Area
The first step is to accurately measure the area you intend to cover with sod. For rectangular or square areas, simply measure the length and width in feet and multiply them to get the total square footage. For irregularly shaped areas, it's best to break them down into smaller, manageable rectangles or squares, calculate the square footage for each section, and then add them together.
- Rectangles/Squares: Length × Width
- Circles: π × (Radius)²
- Triangles: (Base × Height) / 2
Our calculator simplifies this by taking a single length and width, assuming a rectangular area. If your area is complex, calculate its total square footage manually and then input that as the 'Area Length' with 'Area Width' set to 1 for an approximate calculation.
The Importance of a Waste Factor
When ordering sod, it's always wise to include a waste factor. This accounts for:
- Irregular Shapes: Cutting sod to fit curves, borders, or obstacles will inevitably lead to some waste.
- Trimming: Edges often need to be trimmed for a clean finish.
- Mistakes: Sometimes a roll might be damaged, or a piece might be cut incorrectly.
A typical waste factor ranges from 5% to 10%. For very simple, rectangular areas, you might use 0-5%. For complex landscapes with many curves or obstacles, 10% or even slightly more might be appropriate. Our calculator allows you to adjust this percentage to fit your specific project.
Sod Roll/Pallet Dimensions
Sod is typically sold in rolls or on pallets. The square footage per roll or pallet can vary by supplier and grass type. Common roll sizes might be 2 ft x 5 ft (10 sq ft) or 1.5 ft x 6 ft (9 sq ft). Pallets often contain 400-700 square feet of sod. Always confirm the exact dimensions with your sod supplier before using the calculator to ensure accuracy.
Using the Calculator
- Enter Area Length and Width: Input the dimensions of the area you want to sod in feet.
- Specify Square Feet per Sod Unit: Enter the square footage of a single roll or pallet from your supplier.
- Adjust Waste Factor: Set the percentage for waste (e.g., 5% for a typical project).
- Enter Cost per Unit (Optional): If you know the price per roll or pallet, enter it to get an estimated total cost.
- Click "Calculate Sod Needed": The calculator will instantly display the total square footage required, the adjusted square footage (including waste), the number of sod rolls/pallets you'll need, and the estimated total cost.
Tips for Laying Sod
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the area is properly graded, cleared of debris, and the soil is enriched and level.
- Start Laying Immediately: Sod is a living product; lay it as soon as it's delivered, ideally within 24 hours.
- Stagger Rolls: Lay sod in a brick-like pattern to avoid long seams.
- Water Thoroughly: Water immediately after laying and continue to water frequently for the first few weeks to establish roots.
- Avoid Traffic: Keep foot traffic to a minimum for the first few weeks to allow the sod to root properly.
By using this calculator and following these tips, you can ensure a successful and beautiful new lawn.