Sod Calculator

Start by choosing your sod type from the five most common grass varieties. Each type shows its price per square foot and per pallet so you can compare before committing. Then enter the length and width of each lawn area you want to sod.

Click "Add another zone" if you have multiple areas like a front yard, back yard, and side strip. Each zone calculates independently and the totals combine automatically. You can rename each zone to keep things organized.

Toggle on topsoil amendment if your existing soil is poor, clay heavy, or compacted. Toggle starter fertilizer on (it is included by default) to help your new sod establish roots quickly. The calculator shows your total pallet count, a complete cost breakdown, and a side by side sod vs seed comparison.

Sod gives you an instant lawn that is fully usable within two to three weeks. It prevents erosion on slopes, eliminates weed competition during establishment, and works in almost any season. The tradeoff is cost. Sod typically runs 10 to 30 times more than seed for the same area.

Seed is dramatically cheaper but requires patience. A seeded lawn takes 6 to 12 months to reach full density, and during that time you need to keep foot traffic off the area, water frequently, and manage weeds aggressively. Seed also has a narrower planting window since germination depends on consistent soil temperature.

For most homeowners, sod makes sense for high visibility areas like the front yard and any slopes prone to erosion. Seed works well for large back yards where you can tolerate a longer grow in period and want to save on materials.

Good soil preparation is the single biggest factor in whether your sod thrives or struggles. Start by removing all existing vegetation, weeds, rocks, and debris down to bare soil. If you have old lawn, rent a sod cutter to strip it cleanly.

Till the top 4 to 6 inches of soil and rake it smooth. The final grade should slope gently away from your house (about 1 inch of drop per 4 feet of run) to prevent water from pooling against the foundation. If your soil is heavy clay, work in 2 to 3 inches of compost or topsoil to improve drainage and root penetration.

Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to promote root growth. Lightly water the prepared soil just before laying the sod so the roots make contact with moist ground. Lay sod the same day it is delivered; even one day of sitting on a pallet in the sun can heat up the center rolls enough to damage or kill the grass.