How to Measure for Sod

Measure across the width of the space and across the length of the space. This is easiest if it is a rectangle or square. All you need to do to find the area is multiply the length times the width. Keep a written log of each space's area if you are sodding the entire property. At the end you can add it up to find the total area.

Find the area of a circle by measuring halfway across to the center. You can also measure all the way across the circle and take half of that measurement. Then square the result. Finally, multiply the square by 3.14 or the standard number for pi. For example: the circle is 10 feet across. Half is 5. The square of 5 is 25 and 25 times 3.14 is 78.5, which is the area of the circle.

Calculate the area of a right triangle, which is one with a 90-degree angle, if necessary. Multiply the lengths of the two shortest sides and then divide that number in half. This is the area of a right triangle.

Add the areas of two right triangles together to find the total area of a triangle that has no 90-degree angle. Basically, cut the odd triangle in half so there are two triangles with right angles. Figure out their angles by multiplying the lengths of the two shortest sides and dividing by 2. Add the areas of the two right triangles together for the total area.

Keep notes as you go. Once you have found the area of all the spaces you will be laying sod, add them up together. This is your total area for sod. A pallet of sod covers 450 square feet. Divide your total area by 450 to determine how many pallets of sod to order.