How Many Pallets of Sod Do I Need?
Quick answer: measure the lawn, add 5–10% waste, and divide by the pallet coverage — usually 400–500 sq ft per pallet. A 5,000 sq ft lawn needs about 11–12 pallets at 450 sq ft each.
- Pallet coverage: the number that varies
- Measuring the lawn
- Waste for cuts
- Worked example: 5,000 sq ft lawn
- Ordering tips
- FAQ
Pallet coverage: the number that varies
Sod is sold by the pallet, and the coverage per pallet varies by grower: 400–500 sq ft is the common range, with 450 sq ft (60 rolls of 2×3.75 ft) and 500 sq ft being the two most common sizes. Always confirm the square footage per pallet when you order — a 10% difference in pallet size changes your count.
Measuring the lawn
Break the lawn into rectangles, multiply length × width for each, and add them together. Subtract beds, patios and paths you won't sod. For curved borders, measure the rectangle that contains the curve — the offcuts are your waste allowance.
Waste for cuts
Add 5–10% for cuts around beds, trees and curves. A clean rectangle can work at 5%; odd-shaped lawns with borders want 10%. Cutting sod to fit always produces offcuts, and you'd rather have a few extra rolls than run short on delivery day — sod is perishable and can't be re-ordered casually.
| Lawn size | @450 sq ft/pallet | @500 sq ft/pallet |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 sq ft | 5 | 4–5 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 12 | 11 |
| 10,000 sq ft | 23 | 21 |
| 20,000 sq ft | 45 | 41 |
Worked example: a 5,000 sq ft lawn
- Lawn area = 5,000 sq ft
- Add 8% waste = 5,400 sq ft
- ÷ 450 sq ft per pallet = 12 pallets
- If your supplier's pallets are 500 sq ft → 11 pallets
Ordering tips
- Ask for the exact pallet size. Coverage varies by grower; the count changes with it.
- Schedule delivery for install day. Sod is perishable — it should be laid within 24–48 hours of cutting, and stored in shade if it sits.
- Prepare the ground first. Sod laid on unprepared soil fails regardless of how many pallets you buy.
- Order a little extra. A partial pallet is cheap insurance; unopened rolls can sometimes be returned the same week.
FAQ
Measure your lawn area, add 5–10% waste for cuts, then divide by the pallet coverage (usually 400–500 sq ft per pallet). A 5,000 sq ft lawn needs about 11–12 pallets at 450 sq ft each.
A standard pallet of sod covers 400–500 sq ft — the common sizes are 450 sq ft (60 rolls of 2×3.75 ft) and 500 sq ft. Coverage varies by grower, so confirm it when you order.
About 11–12 pallets for a 5,000 sq ft lawn. Divide 5,000 by the pallet coverage (450 sq ft) for 11.1 pallets, then round up and add 1 for cuts — 12 pallets is safe.
Add 5–10% for cuts around beds, trees and curves. Odd-shaped lawns want 10%; a clean rectangle can work at 5%. Don't skip waste — cutting sod to shape always produces offcuts.
Usually 60–80 rolls per pallet, depending on roll size. A common standard is 2 ft × 3.75 ft rolls at 60 per pallet (450 sq ft total). Bigger rolls mean fewer per pallet.