Free Landscape Calculator

Grass Seed Calculator

Calculate exactly how many pounds of grass seed for new lawns and overseeding. Supports Bermuda, Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysia with correct seeding rates.

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Grass Seed Calculator
Pounds of seed needed for your lawn
Lawn Dimensions
ft
ft
📋 Rate: 3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (new lawn)
📐 Your Results
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Pounds
Seed needed
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Square Feet
Total area
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25lb Bags
If buying bags
Estimated Cost
Avg. $3–$8/pound
$—
💡 Always order 10–15% extra for waste and settling.

📊 Understanding Your Results

Pounds of Seed — Total seed needed based on your lawn area and grass type seeding rate.

25lb Bags — Standard bag size for most grass seed varieties.

Cost Estimate — Based on average US grass seed prices of $3–$8 per pound.

How the Grass Seed Calculator Works

Our grass seed calculator uses the recommended seeding rate for each grass type measured in pounds per 1,000 sq ft. Seeding rates differ significantly between species — using the correct rate ensures proper germination density.

The Grass Seed Formula

Step 1: Lawn Area (sq ft) = Length × Width
Step 2: Pounds Needed = (Area ÷ 1,000) × Seeding Rate
Step 3: Bags = Pounds ÷ Bag Size (round up)
Step 4: Overseeding = New Lawn Rate × 0.5

Example: 5,000 sq ft lawn seeded with Tall Fescue at 4 lbs/1,000 sq ft = 5 × 4 = 20 pounds = 1 bag of 25lb seed.

Grass Seed Rates by Grass Type

Grass TypeNew LawnOverseedingClimate
Bermuda Grass3 lbs/1,000 sqft1.5 lbsWarm / South
Tall Fescue4 lbs/1,000 sqft2 lbsCool / Transition
Kentucky Bluegrass2 lbs/1,000 sqft1 lbCool / North
Perennial Ryegrass5 lbs/1,000 sqft2.5 lbsCool / Transition
Zoysia Grass2 lbs/1,000 sqft1 lbWarm / Transition

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about grass seed for new lawns and overseeding.

How much grass seed per 1,000 square feet?
Bermuda: 3 lbs, Tall Fescue: 4 lbs, Kentucky Bluegrass: 2 lbs, Ryegrass: 5 lbs, Zoysia: 2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for new lawns. Overseeding rates are half these amounts.
What is the difference between seeding and overseeding?
Seeding means starting a new lawn on bare soil at full rate. Overseeding means spreading seed over existing lawn at half rate to thicken thin areas or fill bare patches.
How long does grass seed take to germinate?
Ryegrass: 5–10 days. Tall Fescue: 7–14 days. Bluegrass: 14–21 days. Bermuda: 10–30 days. Zoysia: 14–21 days. Soil temperature is the key factor — most grasses germinate best at 60–75°F.
Should I use seed or sod for a new lawn?
Seed costs 70–90% less but takes 3–6 months to establish. Sod gives instant results and is walkable in 3–4 weeks. Use our Sod Calculator to compare costs.
How much does grass seed cost per pound?
Grass seed costs $3–$15 per pound. Tall Fescue and Ryegrass: $4–$7/lb. Kentucky Bluegrass: $6–$10/lb. Zoysia: $8–$15/lb. Buy larger bags for best price per pound.

💡 Seeding Tips

Apply seed in two passes at right angles for even coverage.

Keep seedbed moist 2–3× daily until grass is 2 inches tall.

Seed cool-season grass in early fall for best results.