How the number is worked out
lawn area = length × width + other areas
area to order for = lawn area × (1 + extra ÷ 100)
piece area (ft²) = piece width (in) × piece length (in) ÷ 144
pieces = area to order for ÷ piece area, rounded up
pallets = area to order for ÷ pallet coverage, rounded up
Pieces and pallets are each worked out from the area, not from each other, because the farms publish the pallet coverage in square feet. Rounding up means the last piece or pallet is never short.
The sizes in the list
| Farm | Piece | Piece area, ft² | Pallet, ft² | Pieces per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NG Turf slabs | 16 × 24 in | 2.67 | 504 | — |
| NG Turf mega rolls | 30 in × 100 ft | 250 | not given | — |
| CT Sod rolls | 2 × 5 ft | 10 | 500 | 50 |
| CT Sod rolls | 2 × 5 ft | 10 | 600 | 60 |
| Bethel Farms slabs | not given | — | 400 (about) | 150–170 |
Piece areas are our arithmetic from the farm's dimensions: a 16 × 24 in slab is 384 in², or 2.67 ft². Where a farm hasn't published a number, the cell says so or is left blank; we don't fill it in from another farm. Bethel Farms gives a pallet as about 400 ft² with 150 to 170 pieces, “depending on the size of each slab”, so with that choice the calculator gives pallets and the piece range on them, not a piece count.
NG Turf's mega rolls are 250 ft² each and, in NG Turf's words, “require special equipment for installation”.
How much extra to order
The extra box starts at 0 because there is no single figure to put in it. Two of the farms give a range:
- NG Turf: “We recommend adding 5-10% more than your calculated requirement. If your project is mostly straight lines add 5% If your project has angles or curves add 10%”
- Bethel Farms: “Order an additional 5–10% extra sod to account for trimming, waste, and irregular edges.”
CT Sod's page on roll and pallet sizes doesn't give a percentage.
Worked example
A 40 ft × 25 ft lawn with NG Turf slabs:
- Area: 40 × 25 = 1,000 ft²
- Slabs: 1,000 ÷ 2.67 = 375 slabs
- Pallets: 1,000 ÷ 504 = 1.98, rounded up to 2 pallets
- With 5% extra: 1,050 ft² → 394 slabs, and 1,050 ÷ 504 = 2.08, rounded up to 3 pallets
The same lawn in CT Sod's 2 × 5 ft rolls is 1,000 ÷ 10 = 100 rolls, two 50-roll pallets. The farms' own examples check out the same way: NG Turf works 2,400 ft² to 4.76 and rounds up to 5 pallets; Bethel Farms works 2,000 ft² ÷ 400 to 5 pallets.
What this calculator is not for
It counts sod, not the soil work under it. It assumes flat ground measured along the surface; split odd shapes into rectangles and add them up. It doesn't pick a grass for your area, and the sizes above are what each farm published on the day we checked — farms change how they cut and stack, so confirm the size with whoever you buy from.
Sources
- NG Turf, Measuring and Ordering Sod: A Comprehensive Guide. Checked 2026-09-29.
“Pallet sizes may vary depending on the type of sod and supplier. NG Turf sells sod in pallets that cover 504 square feet. … Individual Sod Piece: An individual piece of sod from NG Turf measures 16 inches by 24 inches. … Example: If your measured area is 2,400 square feet, you would need 2,400 / 504 = 4.76 pallets of sod. In this case, you would round up to 5 pallets to ensure you have enough material to cover your lawn completely. Rolls of Sod: NG Turf also provides sod in mega rolls for larger projects. Each mega roll is 30 inches by 100 feet, covering a total area of 250 square feet per roll. *Please note that rolls of sod require special equipment for installation and are typically reserved for substantial landscaping projects. … We recommend adding 5-10% more than your calculated requirement. If your project is mostly straight lines add 5% If your project has angles or curves add 10%”
- Bethel Farms, From Pallets to Lawn: Understanding How Many Square Feet Are in a Pallet of Sod. Checked 2026-09-29.
“At Bethel Farms, one pallet of sod covers approximately 400 square feet, making it easy to plan your project. However, not all sod pallets are the same. Depending on the farm, grass type, and how the sod is cut and stacked, coverage can range from 400 to 500 square feet or more. … A standard pallet generally contains about 150 to 170 sod pieces, depending on the size of each slab. … Example: 2,000 sq ft ÷ 400 = 5 pallets Step 4: Add extra sod. Order an additional 5–10% extra sod to account for trimming, waste, and irregular edges.”
- CT Sod, How Sod Is Sold: Roll Dimensions, Pallet Weight, Delivery. Checked 2026-09-29.
“At CT Sod, each piece measures 2 feet wide by 5 feet long, covering 10 square feet. … Pallet coverage: 500 sq. ft. (50 rolls) or 600 sq. ft. (60 rolls), depending on farm supply”