Sod Calculator

Sod is typically sold by square foot or by rolls. A standard roll covers 10 square feet (2' × 5' or 1.67' × 6'). Some suppliers sell larger rolls (3' × 8' = 24 sq ft) or mini rolls (5 sq ft). Calculate total square feet then divide by roll coverage. Always add 5-10% for cutting waste around edges, odd shapes, and errors. Better to have extras than come up short.

Order 5-10% extra for most rectangular areas. Add 10-15% extra for: complex shapes with curves, slopes over 15%, professional installation, or first-time DIY. The extra covers: cuts at edges, damaged pieces, pattern matching, and mistakes. Measure twice, order once - measure your area carefully in feet then square the measurement. Round up, not down.

Best installation times: Early fall (ideal - warm soil, cool air, less watering), Early spring (good timing before summer heat), Late spring (okay with extra watering). Avoid: Summer heat stress (requires frequent watering), Winter (frozen ground won't root), Late fall (ground may freeze before rooting). Morning installation is best. Prepare soil 1-2 weeks before sod arrives. Have irrigation or hose ready. Plan for 2-3 hours of installation work for 1,000 sq ft.

For irregular shapes: break into rectangles and circles, calculate each section separately, then add together. For circles: area = π × r². For triangles: area = base × height ÷ 2. For any shape approximating a rectangle, add 15% extra for waste. Use online satellite mapping (Google Earth) to get rough measurements, then verify with physical measuring. Always overestimate slightly - leftover sod can often be returned or used for patches.