Grass Seed Calculator
To find how much grass seed you need, multiply your lawn area by the seeding rate. A new lawn typically needs about 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet, and overseeding an existing lawn about 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Always check the rate on your specific seed.
Seeding rates vary by grass type - check the bag. New lawns use about double the overseeding rate.
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Enter your measurements above to see how much grass seed you need.
New lawn vs overseeding
Starting from bare soil takes roughly double the seed of refreshing an existing lawn. A new lawn is about 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet for many cool-season blends; overseeding is about 3.
Rates differ a lot by grass type - fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass all differ. The number on the bag wins over any general rule.
Getting good coverage
Measure the lawn in square feet, pick new lawn or overseeding, and the calculator returns the pounds to buy. Spreading half the seed in each of two passes (one north-south, one east-west) gives the most even coverage.
Resist the urge to over-seed heavily; crowded seedlings compete and thin out.
Grass Seed coverage chart
Frequently asked questions
How much grass seed per square foot?
Roughly 0.005 lb per square foot for a new lawn (5 lb per 1,000 sq ft) and about 0.003 lb for overseeding (3 lb per 1,000 sq ft). Check your seed bag, since rates vary by type.
How much grass seed for 1,000 square feet?
About 5 pounds for a new lawn and about 3 pounds to overseed, for typical cool-season blends.
Can I use too much grass seed?
Yes. Over-seeding crowds seedlings so they compete for water and light and thin out. Stick close to the recommended rate.
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