What it costs

Do it yourself

Sod alone: $630–$1,680

Hire a pro

Installed on prepared bare soil: $2,000–$4,000
Replacing an existing lawn: $3,000–$8,000

HomeGuide's sod installation guide lists sod alone at $0.30 to $0.80 per sq ft, installation on leveled bare soil at $1 to $2 per sq ft, and resodding an existing yard at $1.50 to $4.00 per sq ft. It lists old grass removal at an additional $0.50 to $2.00 per sq ft and DIY tools and supplies at $250 to $850 plus the sod.

The sod-only estimate uses the area to order, including extra for cuts. Installed and replacement estimates use the measured lawn area. Tools and supplies are not included in sod alone; grass removal is not added separately to the replacement range. If the farm sells only full pallets, the sod purchase may exceed the area-based estimate.

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Sod pieces and pallets by lawn area

Lawn area	Order with 5% extra	Slabs (16 × 24 in)	Pallets of 400 sq ft	Pallets of 450 sq ft	Pallets of 500 sq ft
500 sq ft	525 sq ft	197	2	2	2
1,000 sq ft	1,050 sq ft	394	3	3	3
2,000 sq ft	2,100 sq ft	788	6	5	5
5,000 sq ft	5,250 sq ft	1,969	14	12	11

How the calculator works

Start with the lawn area and add the selected allowance for cuts. Divide that order area by the selected piece size or pallet coverage. Pieces and full pallets round up; the fractional pallet figure shows how much of a pallet the area uses.

order sq ft = lawn area × (1 + extra percent ÷ 100)

pieces = order sq ft ÷ piece sq ft, rounded up

full pallets = order sq ft ÷ pallet sq ft, rounded up

Sod piece and pallet sizes

Sod Solutions lists slabs at 16 × 24 inches, mini rolls at 40 × 18 inches, and large rolls at 60 × 24 inches. These cover about 2.67, 5 and 10 square feet per piece.

According to Sod Solutions, pallets range from 400 to 700 sq ft depending on the farm. Slabs are most common in the southern U.S.; large rolls are most common in northern cool-season markets. Confirm the farm's piece size and pallet coverage before ordering.

Allowing for cuts

NG Turf recommends adding 5% for straight edges and 10% for curves or angles. Select the allowance that matches the lawn's edges.

Sources

All checked November 3, 2026.

Questions

How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?

Sod Solutions gives a range of 400 to 700 sq ft depending on the farm. The calculator starts at 450 sq ft per pallet; use your supplier's figure.

How much extra sod should I order?

NG Turf recommends 5% for straight edges or 10% for curves and angles. The order total already includes your selected allowance.

Why does the result show a fraction and a full pallet count?

The fraction is the order area divided by pallet coverage. The full pallet count rounds up. Ask whether the farm sells partial pallets or individual pieces.

Does sod alone include tools or installation?

No. It covers the calculated sod area, including extra for cuts. The Cost tab separates material, installation on prepared bare soil, and replacement of an existing lawn.