Grass seed calculator
Enter your lawn size, grass type, and whether you're starting fresh or thickening an existing lawn. You'll get the pounds of seed to buy.
- Rate used (lb per 1,000 sq ft)
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- Area (sq ft)
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- Round up to buy
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Rates are typical midpoints. The seed bag label is the final word for that blend.
Seeding rates by grass type
| Grass | New lawn (lb / 1,000 sq ft) | Overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Tall fescue | 7 | 3.5 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 6 | 4 |
| Fine fescue | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Bermuda (hulled) | 1.5 | 0.75 |
| Zoysia | 1.5 | 1 |
Seed mixes combine several grasses, so their rates fall somewhere in between. Use the rate printed on the bag when it differs from this table.
When to seed
Cool-season grasses like bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass do best when seeded in early fall, with spring as a second choice. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia need warm soil, so seed them from late spring to early summer.
How to spread it evenly
Split the seed into two halves. Spread the first half walking in one direction, then the second half walking across it at a right angle. Rake lightly so the seed touches soil, then keep the surface moist until the grass is up.
Common questions
Can I put down more seed to get a thicker lawn?
Not much more than the label rate. Crowded seedlings compete for light and water and are more likely to get disease.
How do I measure an odd-shaped lawn?
Break it into rectangles and circles, calculate each one, and add the pounds together. Leave out the house, driveway and planting beds.
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