A 1,000 sq ft lawn needs about 1,100 sq ft of sod with 10% extra — 3 pallets at 500 sq ft each, or about 413 standard 16×24 in slabs. Pallet sizes vary by farm, so confirm yours and enter it in the free QtyLab sod calculator.
Below: the formula, a pallet chart by lawn size, piece sizes, how much extra to order, and a shopping list.
The sod formula
- Area = length (ft) × width (ft). Split odd shapes into rectangles and add them up.
- Sod to order = area × 1.10 (for 10% extra)
- Square yards = square feet ÷ 9 (some farms price by the yard)
- Pallets = sod to order ÷ sq ft per pallet, rounded up
Worked example, 1,000 sq ft: 1,000 × 1.10 = 1,100 sq ft = 122.2 sq yd. At 500 sq ft per pallet, 1,100 ÷ 500 = 2.2, so order 3 pallets (or 2 pallets plus 100 sq ft loose, if your supplier sells partials).
Pallet chart by lawn size
10% extra included, pallets rounded up. Click a size to open it in the calculator.
| Lawn area | Sod to order | Sq yd | Pallets @ 400 | Pallets @ 450 | Pallets @ 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 550 sq ft | 61 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 30 × 20 ft (600 sq ft) | 660 sq ft | 73 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,100 sq ft | 122 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,200 sq ft | 244 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 5,500 sq ft | 611 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
How big is a pallet and a piece of sod?
It depends on the farm and the region. Typical sizes:
| Format | Piece size | Sq ft per piece | Common pallet sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slabs (common in the South) | 16 × 24 in | 2.67 | 400, 450, 500 sq ft |
| Mini rolls | 18 × 40 in | 5 | 400, 450, 500 sq ft |
| Large rolls | 24 × 60 in | 10 | 500, 600, 700 sq ft |
A 500 sq ft pallet of 16×24 slabs holds about 188 pieces. Ask your supplier for their pallet size and price per square foot before you order.
How much extra to order
- 5% for a plain rectangle with straight edges.
- 10% for curves, beds, trees, and walkways to cut around (the calculator’s default).
- More for lots of small, odd-shaped areas.
Common mistakes
- Not subtracting beds and patios. Measure only the area that gets grass.
- Assuming every pallet is 500 sq ft. Farms sell 400, 450, 500, or more — it changes the pallet count.
- Ordering before the soil is ready. Sod is perishable; plan to lay it the day it arrives.
- Forgetting starter fertilizer. Use the fertilizer calculator with the rate on your starter bag.
Shopping list for 1,000 sq ft
- 1,100 sq ft of sod (3 pallets at 500 sq ft) — order from a local sod farm or garden center
- Starter fertilizer for 1,000 sq ft — follow the bag rate; see how much fertilizer you need
- 1 lawn roller to press sod into the soil — shop lawn rollers
- 1 sod knife or heavy utility knife for cutting edges — shop sod knives
- 1 sprinkler for watering in — shop sprinklers
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Sod FAQ
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
Usually 400 to 500 sq ft for slabs and mini rolls, and 500 to 700 sq ft for large rolls. It varies by farm, so ask your supplier.
How many pallets of sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?
With 10% extra you need 1,100 sq ft, which is 3 pallets at 400, 450, or 500 sq ft per pallet.
How many pieces of sod are on a pallet?
A 500 sq ft pallet of 16×24 in slabs (2.67 sq ft each) holds about 188 pieces. A 500 sq ft pallet of 10 sq ft rolls holds 50.
How much extra sod should I order?
About 5% for a simple rectangle and 10% for curves, beds, and obstacles.
How do I measure an odd-shaped yard for sod?
Split it into rectangles (and circles if needed), work out each area, and add them together. Subtract beds, patios, and walkways.
Piece and pallet sizes: Sod Solutions.