Grass Seed Calculator
Find out exactly how many pounds of grass seed you need. Works for new lawns and overseeding — fescue, bluegrass, bermuda, and ryegrass.
Quick Answer
Seed rates are species- and product-specific. Penn State Extension's example home-lawn rates for new lawns include about 2–3 lb per 1,000 sq ft for Kentucky bluegrass, 6–8 lb for turf-type tall fescue and 4–5 lb for perennial ryegrass; the calculator's species values are planning examples. Use your seed bag's labeled rate when available — new-lawn and overseeding rates can differ.
Lawn Area
Grass Type
Planting Method
Enter your lawn dimensions to calculate seed needed.
Planning seed rate (lb per 1,000 sq ft): 7 for Tall Fescue (new lawn).
Use the seed bag's labeled rate when available; mixtures and cultivars can call for different application rates. New-lawn and overseeding rates can differ — follow the seed product's labeled rate for the application you're doing. YardCalc's species values are planning examples, and its 10% allowance is for uneven spreading and estimating uncertainty. More seed is not automatically better: excessively high rates can create an overly dense stand and increase disease and mowing problems.
💡 Planning rates are examples — check your seed label.
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Not sure of your lawn size? Measure it on a satellite map →
What to Buy
The right grass seed for your region, a good spreader, and starter fertilizer are the three things that matter most. Everything else is optional.
Grass Seed by Type
- Tall Fescue seed (16 lb bag) — most common cool-season choice
- Kentucky Bluegrass seed — slow to establish, very dense
- Bermudagrass seed — warm-season, full sun only
- Perennial Ryegrass seed — often germinates quickly
Spreaders & Tools
- Broadcast spreader — best for areas over 1,000 sq ft
- Hand broadcast spreader — small areas and patch repairs
- Lawn roller — press seed into soil after spreading
- Starter fertilizer — apply at seeding, not before
Also going from bare soil to lawn? Use the Topsoil Calculator to figure out how much topsoil to prep the seedbed first. Our Lawn Soil Prep Guide covers the full order of operations before seeding.
Prefer to hire it out?
Lawn seeding and overseeding is one of the most cost-effective services to hire. Get a free estimate from local lawn care professionals at Angi.
Grass Seed Rates by Type
Seeding rates are species- and product-specific, and reputable sources differ somewhat. The middle column shows example home-lawn rates for new lawns from Penn State Extension; the right column shows the planning values the calculator uses. Use your seed bag's labeled rate when available — mixtures and cultivars can call for different application rates, and new-lawn and overseeding rates can differ. The calculator adds a 10% planning allowance for uneven spreading and estimating uncertainty.
| Grass Type | Example Range (New Lawn) | Calculator Planning Value (New / Overseed) | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall Fescue | 6–8 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 7 / 3.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | Cool-season |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2–3 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 2.5 / 1.25 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | Cool-season |
| Bermudagrass | Varies by seed type and product | 1.5 / 0.75 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | Warm-season |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 4–5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft (renovation: 4–6) | 4.5 / 5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | Cool-season |
Considering a low-maintenance lawn alternative? Compare options in the Clover Lawn vs Grass guide, or calculate micro clover seed with the Clover Lawn Calculator.
Before You Order
- ☐Confirm your climate zone matches your grass type — warm-season grasses do not survive cold winters
- ☐Use a soil test and local/product guidance to decide on pH adjustments and fertilizer before seeding
- ☐If overseeding, prepare the existing lawn for good seed-to-soil contact (for example mowing low and removing excess thatch) — see University of Minnesota Extension
- ☐Plan timing for your grass type and climate — cool-season lawns are often established most successfully in late summer to early fall, warm-season grasses during warmer conditions
- ☐During germination, keep the seedbed consistently moist with light irrigation as needed — frequency depends on weather, soil and irrigation output, and drops as seedlings establish and roots deepen