🌱 Sod Solutions Area Calculator
Calculate sod needed, select grass type, estimate installation costs for your lawn project
Sod Installation Calculator
Sod Grass Types & Characteristics
☀️ WARM-SEASON GRASSES
1. Bermuda Grass
Climate: Warm regions (South, Southwest)
Durability: Very drought-resistant, handles heavy foot traffic
Appearance: Fine-textured, dense | Goes dormant (brown) in winter
Maintenance: Low to moderate | Mowing height: 0.5–1 inch
Best For: Athletic fields, active lawns, hot climates
2. St. Augustine Grass
Climate: Warm, humid areas (Southeast)
Appearance: Thick, wide coarse blades | Deep green color
Shade Tolerance: Good (tolerates partial shade)
Maintenance: Regular watering needed | Mowing height: 2.5–3.5 inches
Best For: Humid Southern climates, coastal areas
3. Zoysia Grass
Climate: Warm climates, some cold tolerance (Transitional zones)
Appearance: Dense, soft, fine-textured lawn
Durability: Tolerates heat; slow-growing (established slowly)
Maintenance: Low maintenance | Mowing height: 0.75–1.5 inches
Best For: Premium residential lawns, moderate-traffic areas
4. Centipede Grass
Climate: Warm regions (Southeast)
Appearance: Light green coarse blades, slow growth
Durability: Low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Very low | Mowing height: 1–2 inches
Best For: Low-maintenance Southern lawns, budget-friendly
❄️ COOL-SEASON GRASSES
5. Kentucky Bluegrass
Climate: Cool regions (North, Northeast, Midwest)
Appearance: Deep green color, fine texture | V-shaped leaf blades
Self-Repair: Self-repairing via rhizomes
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun | Less tolerant of shade
Maintenance: Moderate | Mowing height: 2.5–3.5 inches
6. Tall Fescue
Climate: Cool and transitional climates
Root System: Deep root system (drought-tolerant)
Durability: Handles active use, good wear tolerance
Maintenance: Low to moderate | Mowing height: 2.5–4 inches
Best For: Active lawns, sports fields, dry regions
7. Ryegrass
Climate: Cool regions | Fast-growing for quick establishment
Appearance: Bright green, fine texture | Quick germination
Maintenance: Regular mowing, moderate watering | Mowing: 2–3 inches
Best For: Quick lawn establishment, overseeding, athletic fields
Sod Grass Comparison Table
| Grass Type | Climate Zone | Drought Tolerance | Shade Tolerance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Warm | High | Low | Low-Moderate |
| St. Augustine | Warm/Humid | Low | High | Moderate-High |
| Zoysia | Warm/Transitional | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Cool | Medium | Low | Moderate |
| Tall Fescue | Cool/Transitional | High | Medium | Low-Moderate |
| Centipede | Warm | Medium | Low | Very Low |
| Ryegrass | Cool | Low | Low | Moderate-High |
Sod Calculation Formulas
1. Rectangular Sod Area
Area (sq ft) = Length × Width
Area = L × W
Example: 50 ft × 30 ft = 1,500 sq ft
2. Circular Sod Area
Area (sq ft) = π × r²
Area = 3.14159 × (radius)²
Example: Radius 20 ft = 3.14159 × 400 = 1,256.6 sq ft
3. Calculate Sod Rolls Needed
Sod Rolls = Area (sq ft) / 2 (sq ft per roll) × (1 + Waste %)
Standard Roll Size: 2 sq ft (typically 2 ft × 1 ft)
Waste Factor: Add 10–15% for cuts, shapes, settling
Example: 1,500 sq ft ÷ 2 × 1.10 = 825 rolls
4. Sod Pallets Needed
Pallets = Area (sq ft) / 500 (sq ft per pallet) × (1 + Waste %)
Standard Pallet: 500 sq ft (contains 250 rolls)
Example: 1,500 sq ft ÷ 500 × 1.10 = 3.3 pallets → 4 pallets needed
5. Total Installation Cost
Total Cost = (Sod Rolls × Cost/Roll) + (Area × Labor/sqft) + Soil Prep
Components:
• Sod Cost: $0.25–$0.50 per roll
• Installation Labor: $0.25–$0.75 per sq ft
• Soil Prep: $500–$2,000 for full site preparation
📏 Sod Format Sizes (Reference)
Standard Roll: 2 sq ft (2 ft × 1 ft)
Rectangle: 10 sq ft (5 ft × 2 ft)
Full Pallet: 500 sq ft (250 rolls)
External Resources & Suppliers
🌱 Sod & Grass Suppliers
✓ Turfgrass Council - Sod Industry Standards
✓ Sod Center - Quality Sod Supplier
✓ Lawn Care - Installation Services
📚 Educational & Extension Resources
✓ Extension.org - Land Grant University Programs
✓ Purdue Turfgrass Science - Research & Education
✓ Oregon State Extension - Grass Selection Guide
🏡 Landscaping & Installation
✓ NALP - Professional Landscapers Association
✓ Family Handyman - DIY Sod Installation
✓ Home Depot - Sod & Landscape Supplies
🌾 Industry Standards & Guidelines
✓ Perennial Plant Association - Plant Standards
✓ ASLA - American Society of Landscape Architects
✓ NGCA - Nursery and Garden Center Association
🔗 Link Verification Status
All external links verified as of 2026:
✓ Turfgrass Council - Industry standards organization
✓ Extension.org - University educational resources
✓ Purdue Turfgrass - University research programs
✓ NALP - Professional landscaping association
✓ ASLA - Landscape architecture professionals