Calculate Your Project
Project Diagram
Sod Rolls Needed
—Rolls (10 sq ft)
Enter dimensions above
Grass Seed Needed
—lbs of Seed
For new lawn (~4 lbs/1,000 sq ft)
Free Sod & Grass Seed Calculator
Get a lush, green lawn instantly.
Planning a new lawn? Enter your project measurements to find out exactly how many sod rolls (or pallets) to order, and how much grass seed you need.
Sod & Grass Seed Reference Guide
Recommended Depths for Sod & Grass Seed
| Project / Use Case | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Sod Roots Soil Prep | 4–6 inches of Topsoil base |
| Grass Seed Soil Prep | 3–4 inches of Topsoil base |
| Top Dressing Existing Lawn | 0.25–0.5 inches compost |
| Lawn Aeration & Seeding | N/A |
How to Calculate Sod & Grass Seed Volume
Most landscaping suppliers sell sod & grass seed by the cubic yard. To convert your project area to cubic yards, use this formula:
Volume (cu yd) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Our calculator also multiplies your cubic yard result by 0 tons/yd³ (the standard density for sod & grass seed) to show estimated weight — essential if you are hauling the material yourself or need delivery pricing.
Pro Tips & Insights
1
Lay sod rolls in a staggered, brick-like pattern to make the seams less visible and prevent erosion.
2
Water newly laid sod twice daily for the first two weeks until the roots anchor firmly into the soil.
3
For grass seed, rake the soil lightly to create grooves, spread the seed, and lightly roll or press it to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a standard roll of sod?▼
A standard sod roll is 2 feet wide by 5 feet long, covering exactly 10 square feet. Pallets of sod typically contain 50 rolls (500 square feet) or 45 rolls (450 square feet).
How many pounds of grass seed do I need per square foot?▼
For a brand new lawn, you need about 4 to 8 lbs of grass seed per 1,000 square feet (depending on the grass type). For overseeding an existing lawn, use 2 to 4 lbs per 1,000 square feet.
How long does sod take to root?▼
Sod usually starts to root within 10 to 14 days. You can test it by gently pulling up on a corner of a sod roll. If you feel resistance, the roots have successfully grown into the soil.
When is the best time to lay sod or plant grass seed?▼
Cool-season grasses (like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass) are best planted in early Fall or early Spring. Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or Zoysia) are best planted in late Spring or early Summer.