Home › Grass Seed Calculator
Grass Seed Calculator
Calculate how many pounds of grass seed you need for a new lawn or overseeding from the area and the grass type, with bag counts.
How to use it
- Measure the lawn in square feet (length × width; subtract beds and paths).
- Choose the grass type - the label on your seed bag will say which species.
- Select new lawn (full rate) or overseeding (about half).
- Optionally enter the price per pound to estimate the cost.
How it works
Seeding rates are given in pounds per 1,000 square feet and depend on seed size: tiny bluegrass seeds go on at about 2-3 lb, tall fescue at 6-8 lb, ryegrass at 7-10 lb and hulled bermudagrass at 1-2 lb per 1,000 ft². Overseeding a thin lawn uses roughly half the new-lawn rate. Seed (lb) = area ÷ 1,000 × rate.
Sow in early fall for cool-season grasses (soil still warm, fewer weeds) or in late spring for warm-season grasses such as bermuda. Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination. Exact rates vary by product and coating, so follow your seed label when it differs.
FAQ
How much grass seed do I need for 1,000 square feet?
About 6-8 pounds of tall fescue, 7-10 of perennial ryegrass, 2-3 of Kentucky bluegrass or 1-2 of hulled bermudagrass for a new lawn; use about half to overseed.
How much grass seed for 5,000 square feet?
For tall fescue, about 35 pounds for a new lawn (7 lb per 1,000 ft²) or about 18 pounds to overseed.
When is the best time to plant grass seed?
Early fall for cool-season grasses; late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses. Use the frost date tools on this site to time it.
Related calculators
Free calculator by FrostWise