Sod, Seed and Topsoil Calculator

Rolls and pallets of sod, pounds of seed and yards of topsoil.

Project Details
Enter your measurements and requirements
$
$
$
Results
Calculated estimates for your project
Area1,500 sq ft
Sod158 rolls, 4 pallets
Seed instead12 lb
Topsoil15.5 cu yd
Sod cost$948
Seed cost$48
Topsoil cost$543

Turn these numbers into a build plan.

  • 1,500 sq ft area
  • 4 pallets sod
  • 15.5 cu yd topsoil
Materials List
Recommended materials and quantities
Sod4 pallets
Topsoil15.5 cu yd

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Project plan · built from your numbers

New lawn, 1,500 sq ft

158 sod rolls over 3" of topsoil. Seeding instead takes 12.0 lb and costs less, but takes a season to fill in.

Materials
$1,491
Time
1 weekend
Level
Easy
6 steps 5 tools 4 materials
  1. 1

    Test and clear

    Test the soil, kill or strip the old lawn and call 811 before tilling.

  2. 2

    Spread topsoil

    Spread 15.5 cu yd and till it into the top few inches.

  3. 3

    Grade

    Rake smooth with a gentle slope away from the house, about 1 in below walks.

01 · Your numbers
Area
1,500 sq ft
Sod
4 pallets
Topsoil
15.5 cu yd
Est. cost
$1,491
02 · The plan

6 steps · 5 tools · 4 materials

3 more steps, the full tool list and a shopping list you can check off as you go.

03 · Finished

Your plan is 60% built. Save it.

3/5

New lawn, 1,500 sq ft

Finished in 1 weekend · $1,491 DIY

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How to estimate sod, seed and topsoil

Pallet sizes vary by farm, so confirm before ordering. Planning irrigation first? See the sprinkler system guide.

  1. Measure. Multiply length by width, and add separate sections together.
  2. Sod. A roll covers about 10 sq ft and a pallet about 450 sq ft. Add 5%.
  3. Seed. Multiply thousands of square feet by the seed rate.
  4. Topsoil. Area times depth in feet, divided by 27, gives cubic yards.

Seed rates

GrassPounds per 1,000 sq ft
Tall fescue8
Kentucky bluegrass3
Perennial ryegrass8
Fine fescue5
Bermuda2

Frequently asked questions

How much area does a pallet of sod cover?

Usually 450 to 500 sq ft, depending on the farm. This calculator uses 450.

How much grass seed do I need per 1,000 sq ft?

It depends on the grass: about 8 lb for tall fescue, 3 lb for Kentucky bluegrass and 2 lb for Bermuda. Overseeding uses about half.

How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?

Plan on 3 to 4 in, tilled into the existing soil. 1,500 sq ft at 3 in takes about 14 cu yd.

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