MaterialCalculator
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.

Enter Project Dimensions

Project Diagram

L: 10 ftW: 5 ft

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)

Recommended Depths for Sod & Grass Seed

Project / Use CaseRecommended Depth
Sod Roots Soil Prep4–6 inches of Topsoil base
Grass Seed Soil Prep3–4 inches of Topsoil base
Top Dressing Existing Lawn0.25–0.5 inches compost
Lawn Aeration & SeedingN/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 in feet) ÷ 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 for Sod & Grass Seed Projects

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.

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