Grass Seed Calculator
Seed too lightly and the lawn comes in patchy; too heavily and seedlings compete and thin out. Enter your area and grass type to get the right amount for a new lawn or an overseed.
Grass Seed Calculator
Why use the Grass Seed Calculator
Seed too lightly and the lawn comes in patchy; too heavily and seedlings thin themselves out. This dials in the rate for your grass type.
How to get your numbers
- Lawn area (length × width, or total sq ft).
- Grass type — seeding rates vary widely.
- New lawn vs overseeding.
Recommended for this job
How to use it
- Enter your lawn length and width, or a total area.
- Pick your grass type — seeding rates vary widely.
- Choose new lawn or overseeding (overseeding uses about half the seed).
Frequently asked questions
How much grass seed do I need?
It depends on the grass. Tall fescue needs about 6–8 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for a new lawn; Kentucky bluegrass only 2–3 lbs.
When should I plant grass seed?
Cool-season grasses do best in early fall when soil is 50–65°F; warm-season grasses like Bermuda prefer late spring into early summer.
What is the difference between new-lawn and overseeding rates?
Overseeding an existing lawn uses roughly half the new-lawn rate, since established grass already fills much of the space.
How much grass seed per 1,000 square feet?
Roughly 2–3 lbs for Kentucky bluegrass, 6–8 for tall fescue, 6–9 for perennial ryegrass, and 1–2 for Bermuda.
How long does grass seed take to germinate?
Anywhere from 5 to 21 days depending on species and temperature — ryegrass sprouts fastest, bluegrass slowest.
Can I put down too much grass seed?
Yes. Overseeding causes seedlings to compete for water and nutrients, leaving a weak, thin stand rather than a thick lawn.
Do I need to cover grass seed?
Lightly rake it in or topdress thinly for good soil contact, then keep the surface consistently moist until it germinates.
What is the best grass seed for my area?
Cool climates favor fescue, bluegrass and ryegrass; hot southern regions favor Bermuda, zoysia and St. Augustine. Match the species to your climate.
