Guide · 4 min read

How much sod do I need for my lawn?

Measure the planting area and subtract beds and hard surfaces. Add 5% for trimming, divide by 450 square feet per pallet, and round up.

Fresh-cut sod being unrolled onto prepared soil in a DFW yard
Palette carries a pallet of sod beside a measured lawn with a flower bed subtracted and trim pieces set aside

Palette does the pallet math

Measure. Add 5%. Divide by 450. Round up.

01Lawn sq ftSubtract beds, driveway, patio
021.05Add 5% for cuts and curves
03450Square feet per pallet

Example: 3,000 sq ft × 1.05 = 3,150 sq ft ÷ 450 = 7 pallets.

Want it calculated from the roof? Draw the lawn on our satellite map.

Measure the area that needs grass

One pallet covers 450 square feet. We deliver whole pallets. Measure the planting area before you order, then allow 5% for cuts.

  1. Measure the lawn in square feet.
  2. Subtract beds, driveways, paths, pools, and other areas that will stay bare.
  3. Multiply the remaining area by 1.05 for trimming.
  4. Divide by 450 and round up to whole pallets.
An overhead lawn has dashed measuring lines and excludes a driveway and planted beds.

Measure the lawn in simple sections

Measure rectangles and triangles separately. Add the planted areas, then allow for cuts before rounding to whole pallets.

A worked example

A 60-by-75-foot front and side yard covers 4,500 square feet. The driveway covers 1,200 square feet. The walkway covers 100, and the beds cover 200.

CalculationSquare feet
Yard4,500
Subtract driveway, walkway, and beds−1,500
Area to sod3,000
Add 5% for trimming3,150

3,150 ÷ 450 = 7 pallets. Add the trimming allowance before rounding. The number of individual pieces can vary, so order by total coverage.

Fit the pieces closely without stretching them. Small gaps reduce soil contact and expose the edges to drying.

Use the satellite measuring tool

For a curved lawn, use our satellite measuring tool. Trace the lawn boundary, then exclude the driveway and beds.

The tool estimates square footage, pallets, and topsoil. Check unclear boundaries on the ground, especially where trees hide the lawn.

Check these details before ordering

  • Ground preparation: Check compaction, drainage, and finished height before deciding how much topsoil to add.
  • Watering: Test the sprinklers before delivery. Delay installation if you cannot keep the new sod moist.
  • Excluded areas: Subtract every bed, walkway, air-conditioning pad, and pool deck.
  • Transport: A wet pallet can weigh 2,500 to 3,000 pounds. Check the vehicle payload and axle limits before arranging pickup.

A truck’s size or model class does not establish its safe payload. Include passengers and other cargo in the load calculation.

Sod lies flat on a prepared bed beside a piece bridging an air pocket.

Roots need contact with the soil

Firm the bed and fit each piece flat. Air pockets leave roots exposed and can contribute to uneven settling.

Send us the measured area

Send the result from the measuring tool with your delivery address. Confirm the delivery date before arranging installation help.

If you still need to choose a grass, read the grass comparison.

A shaded sod pallet supplies a wheelbarrow and a person laying turf nearby.

Keep the installation moving

Keep waiting pallets shaded and lay the sod promptly. Plan the route from the delivery point to the lawn.

Questions people ask

How many pallets is a typical DFW front yard?

Some front yards need two to four pallets, but the measured area determines the order. A 3,000-square-foot lawn needs seven pallets with a 5% allowance.

What if I order too much sod?

Add 5% for trimming before rounding to whole pallets. Measure excluded areas carefully to avoid ordering more than the job needs.

How much does one pallet of sod weigh?

A wet pallet can weigh about 2,500 to 3,000 pounds. Check the vehicle’s rated payload and axle limits, including passengers and other cargo.

Sources

  1. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Turfgrass Establishment for Texas

This guide is part of The complete guide to sod in Dallas-Fort Worth.

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