How Much Sod for a 30×40 lawn?
This calculator is pre-filled to estimate the sod for a 30×40 lawn. Change any field to match your project, and enter your local price for a precise cost.
Quick answer: A 30×40 lawn needs about 1,284 sq ft of sod (1,200 sq ft plus 7% waste).
Sod calculator
How it's calculated: Length ft × width ft = square feet, plus 7% waste for cuts and curves. Sod is sold by the square foot; one pallet covers about 450 sq ft.
How to estimate sod
- Add about 5-10% for trimming around beds, curves and odd corners.
- A standard pallet covers roughly 450-500 sq ft. Divide your total square feet by ~450 to get pallets.
- Lay sod within 24 hours of delivery and water it the same day - it is perishable.
- Finish soil prep before the sod arrives: grade, rake out rocks, and lightly firm the surface so roots make full contact.
- Stagger the seams like brickwork and butt edges tight - gaps dry out and brown first.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Sod for a 30×40 lawn?
A 30×40 lawn needs about 1,284 sq ft of sod (1,200 sq ft plus 7% waste).
How many square feet in a pallet of sod?
Typically 450-500 sq ft, depending on the farm and roll size.
How long until I can walk on new sod?
Keep traffic off for 2-3 weeks while it roots. Tug a corner - when it resists lifting, the roots have knitted and light use is fine.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Early fall and spring for cool-season grasses, late spring into summer for warm-season types. Avoid the hottest weeks - fresh sod in a heat wave needs constant water just to survive.
Can I lay sod over my existing lawn?
No - sod needs direct soil contact to root. Strip or kill off the old grass, loosen and grade the soil, then lay the new sod.
How much should I water new sod?
Daily for the first week or two - twice daily in heat - keeping the soil beneath damp, then taper off as it roots. Underwatering in week one is the most common way new sod dies.