Enter your lawn dimensions to find out how many pallets or rolls of sod you need — or how much grass seed to buy — plus a total cost estimate.
Sod is sold by the square foot, roll, or pallet. A standard sod roll covers about 9 square feet (1.5 ft × 6 ft). A pallet holds approximately 450–504 square feet depending on the supplier. This calculator tells you how many of each you need, plus an optional cost estimate.
Sod gives you instant results — a usable lawn in 2–3 weeks — but costs 5–10× more than seed. Grass seed is far cheaper and has more variety, but takes 2–4 months to establish and needs careful watering. Sod is worth it for high-traffic areas, erosion control, or when you need results fast. Seed is better for large areas on a budget.
| Unit | Covers | Typical cost (installed) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 roll (standard) | ~9 sq ft | $0.30–$0.80/sq ft |
| 1 pallet | ~450 sq ft | $150–$450/pallet |
| Sod installed | — | $1.00–$2.00/sq ft |
| Grass type | New lawn (lbs/1000 sq ft) | Overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2–3 lbs | 1–2 lbs |
| Tall Fescue | 6–8 lbs | 3–4 lbs |
| Bermuda Grass | 1–2 lbs | 0.5–1 lb |
| Zoysia | 1–2 lbs | 0.5–1 lb |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 5–9 lbs | 3–5 lbs |
Prepare the soil by tilling 4–6 inches and adding topsoil or compost if needed. Lay sod in a brick-pattern (staggered joints), press firmly, and water deeply immediately after. Add 5–10% extra for cuts around edges and obstacles — this calculator applies that buffer automatically.