Sod and Grass Seed Calculator
Plan a new lawn or overseed an existing one: get the area in square feet, the number of sod pallets, and the pounds of grass seed you need.
Results
Order sod a few days before installation — it begins to degrade quickly once rolled.
How to Use This Lawn Calculator
- Measure your lawn in feet (subtract beds, patios and the house footprint).
- Enter the sod coverage per pallet from your supplier.
- Pick the seeding purpose that matches your project.
The calculator multiplies length × width for the area, divides by the pallet coverage, and applies the seeding rate in pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Sod Pallet Coverage and Weight
Sod pallets are not standardized. Coverage is typically 400–500 square feet, but a pallet can weigh anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds depending on soil moisture. Always confirm the coverage and weight with your sod farm, because delivery trucks and trailers have limits.
Grass Seed Rates
| Project | Rate per 1,000 sq ft | Example: 1,000 sq ft lawn |
|---|---|---|
| New lawn | ~5 lb | 5 lb |
| Overseeding | ~3 lb | 3 lb |
| Dense / athletic | ~8 lb | 8 lb |
Different grass species — fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass, Bermuda — have different seeding rates. The seed bag always lists the exact rate; use the "Other" situation as a guide and check the label.
Sod vs. Seed: Quick Comparison
- Sod: instant lawn, higher cost, installable almost any time the ground is workable.
- Seed: much cheaper, but needs 3–6 weeks of consistent watering and protection from birds and foot traffic.
- Hybrid: many homeowners seed the main area and patch high-traffic spots with sod.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pallets of sod do I need for 2,000 square feet?
With the typical 450 square feet per pallet, a 2,000 square foot lawn needs 5 pallets. Pallet coverage ranges from about 400 to 500 square feet, so confirm with your supplier.
How much grass seed do I need for 1,000 square feet?
A new lawn usually needs about 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet, while overseeding an existing lawn takes about 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
How many square feet does a pallet of sod cover?
Most sod pallets cover 400–500 square feet and weigh 1,500–3,000 pounds. Check the exact coverage with your local sod farm before ordering.
Is sod or grass seed cheaper?
Grass seed is much cheaper per square foot, but requires weeks of careful watering and may need a second pass in bare spots. Sod costs more but gives an instant, uniform lawn.