Sod / Turf Installation Cost Estimator

Price a new lawn from sod: square feet plus waste, pallets, your sod price, soil prep, laying labor, old-lawn removal, delivery, markup and tax.

%
About 5% for simple shapes; 10% or more for curved beds and narrow strips.
ft² per pallet
Ask your sod farm; pallets commonly hold roughly 400–500 ft² depending on the grower and grass.
$per ft²
Example rate — enter your own. If you are quoted per pallet, divide by the ft² per pallet.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per ft²
Example rate — enter your own. Base this on a soil test.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per ft²
Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per ft²
Leave at 0 if not needed.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per job
Example rate — enter your own.
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%
Added to direct costs (materials + labor + fees) to cover overhead and profit. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
%
Your combined state + local rate. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
Whether labor and services are taxable depends on your state. Check with your state revenue department.
Estimated TOTAL
$1,697.25
Sod to order (incl. waste)
1,050
Pallets (rounded up)
3
Sod (1050 ft² incl. waste)
$525.00
Soil prep materials
$150.00
Grading & laying labor
$600.00
Old lawn removal
$0.00
Delivery
$100.00
Direct cost (before markup)
$1,375.00
Overhead & profit (20%)
$275.00
Subtotal
$1,650.00
Sales tax (7% on materials at cost)
$47.25
Cost per ft²
$1.70
Cost per m²
$18.27

Estimate generated with SortedSums: https://sortedsums.com/sod-installation-estimator/. For informational purposes only; verify before relying on it.

Estimate only. This tool is for informational and educational purposes. Results depend on your inputs and simplifying assumptions, and are not a substitute for professional engineering, design or financial advice. Always verify with a qualified professional and applicable codes before purchasing, building or making decisions.

How it’s calculated

Sod is ordered for the lawn area plus a small cutting allowance and delivered in pallets; soil prep and labor are priced on the actual lawn area.

Sod to order = area × (1 + waste%) Pallets = sod to order ÷ ft² per pallet (rounded up) Sod cost = sod to order × $/ft² Prep, labor, removal = area × their $/ft² TOTAL = (all lines + delivery) × (1 + markup%) + tax

Example (default example rates): 1,000 ft² lawn with 5% waste = 1,050 ft² of sod = 2.33, so 3 pallets of 450 ft². Sod 1,050 × $0.50 = $525; prep 1,000 × $0.15 = $150; labor 1,000 × $0.60 = $600; delivery $100. Direct cost $1,375; +20% = $1,650; 7% tax on materials ($675) = $47.25. TOTAL = $1,697.25 (≈ $1.70/ft²).

This is a planning estimate only. It does not include anything not entered above, such as permits, inspections, engineering, site preparation, demolition or disposal (unless entered), access or equipment problems, regional surcharges, contingency or price changes. Get written quotes before committing. For sod that includes irrigation, soil testing, heavy regrading or drainage work, and replacing sod that dies from lack of watering.

Frequently asked questions

How many pallets of sod do I need?

Multiply the lawn area by 1 plus your waste allowance, then divide by the square feet per pallet from your supplier and round up. Order a pallet extra for very irregular shapes.

How should I prepare the soil for sod?

Remove the old turf and debris, loosen the soil, grade it to drain away from buildings, add amendments based on a soil test, then firm and lightly water before laying. Penn State Extension’s lawn establishment guide covers the steps.

How soon must sod be laid?

Sod is perishable. Lay it the day it is delivered if possible, and water it thoroughly right after installation.

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Sources

Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.

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