Grass Seed Calculator
Find how many pounds of grass seed a new or existing lawn needs.
Calculator
| Overseeding at 3 lb / 1,000 sq ft | 15.0 lb |
|---|---|
| Heavy rate at 8 lb / 1,000 sq ft | 40.0 lb |
How it is calculated
5,000 sq ft ÷ 1,000 × 6 lb = 30.0 lb for a new lawn, or 15.0 lb for overseeding at 3 lb per 1,000 sq ft.
About this calculator
Grass seed is sold by the pound and recommended in pounds per 1,000 square feet, with different rates for new lawns and for overseeding. This calculator uses common planning rates; your seed bag states the rate for its blend.
Seed needs good contact with the soil and steady moisture until it germinates. Over-applying seed does not help and can make seedlings compete with each other.
Worked examples
| Project | New lawn at 6 lb / 1,000 sq ft | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft of lawn | 6.0 lb | $18.00 – $54.00 |
| 2,500 sq ft of lawn | 15.0 lb | $45.00 – $135 |
| 5,000 sq ft of lawn | 30.0 lb | $90.00 – $270 |
| 10,000 sq ft of lawn | 60.0 lb | $180 – $540 |
Buying notes
- Follow the application rate printed on the bag for your seed blend.
- Choose a seed mix suited to your climate and to sun or shade.
- A starter fertilizer helps new seedlings, and mulching lightly helps keep seed moist.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the area in square feet.
- Pick the rate that fits your job: new lawn or overseeding.
- Read the pounds needed and compare with your bag's recommended rate.
- Spread evenly and keep the soil surface moist until seedlings establish.
Common mistakes
- Using too much seed, which crowds seedlings.
- Sowing onto hard, compacted soil with no seed-to-soil contact.
- Letting the seedbed dry out in the first few weeks.
Tips
- Seeding rates depend on the grass: always check the bag, which gives the exact rate for the blend.
- Good seed-to-soil contact matters more than extra seed.
- Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination, typically one to three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much grass seed per 1,000 square feet?
Roughly 3–8 lb depending on grass type and whether you are seeding new or overseeding.
When should I plant grass seed?
Cool-season grasses are often seeded in early fall, and warm-season grasses in late spring or early summer. Check the timing for your area.
Can I overseed an existing lawn?
Yes. Overseeding uses a lower rate than a new lawn; the calculator shows both rates.