How it works
The calculator finds the lawn area, adds your waste allowance, and divides by the area of one piece and of one pallet.
Area = Length × Width
Area with waste = Area × (1 + Waste ÷ 100)
Pieces = ⌈ Area with waste ÷ Area per piece ⌉
Pallets = ⌈ Area with waste ÷ Coverage per pallet ⌉
⌈ ⌉ means rounding up to the next whole number: you cannot buy part of a roll or a pallet. The standard slab is taken as 16 × 24 in, the size Sod Solutions gives, which works out to 2.67 sq ft (0.248 m²).
There is no default pallet size because coverage differs from farm to farm. Leave the field empty to see only the piece count, or enter your supplier’s figure to get pallets as well.
Worked example
Inputs
- Measure by
- Lawn length × width
- Lawn length
- 40 ft
- Lawn width
- 25 ft
- Piece size
- Standard slab, 16 × 24 in
- Coverage per pallet
- 450 sq ft
- Waste allowance
- 0 %
Result
- Lawn area
- 1,000 sq ft
- Area incl. waste
- 1,000 sq ft
- Pieces of sod
- 375
- Pallets
- 3
Common mistakes
- Assuming every pallet covers the same area. Pallet coverage depends on the farm and the piece type, so check the figure with the farm you order from.
- Measuring only the overall rectangle of a yard and forgetting to subtract beds, patios and paths that will not be sodded.
- Ordering exactly the lawn area with no extra. Curved edges, beds and trees all mean cut pieces, and offcuts are rarely usable elsewhere.
- Mixing up slab and roll sizes. A slab and a roll from the same farm can cover different areas, so use the size for the product you are buying.
Assumptions and limits
- The lawn is a rectangle, or you have entered its total area.
- Each piece covers its full listed area. The count is an area estimate and does not plan cuts around curves, beds or trees.
- Pieces and pallets are both counted from the area including waste and rounded up to whole units.
- The calculator does not cover soil preparation, topsoil or starter fertilizer – estimate topsoil separately.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a slab of sod?
Sod Solutions describes a standard slab as 16 × 24 in, which is about 2.67 sq ft (16 × 24 = 384 sq in, divided by 144). Rolls are larger and come in sizes such as 5 or 10 sq ft. Your farm’s product listing gives the exact size.
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
It varies. Sod Solutions puts the range at about 400 to 700 sq ft per pallet depending on the farm and whether it holds slabs or rolls. Ask your supplier for their figure and enter it in the pallet coverage field.
How much extra sod should I order?
It depends on the shape of the lawn. A plain rectangle needs little extra, while curved edges, beds and trees mean more cutting. Your sod farm or installer can suggest an allowance for your yard.
Sources
- How Many Square Feet in a Pallet of Sod? — Sod Solutions. Slabs 16 × 24 in (≈ 2.67 sq ft), rolls of 5 or 10 sq ft; pallets commonly 400–700 sq ft depending on farm and piece type.
- NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement — National Institute of Standards and Technology. Exact unit definitions: 1 in = 2.54 cm, 1 yd³ = 27 ft³, 1 US gal = 231 in³, 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg.
Method reviewed November 2, 2026