Grass Seed Calculator
Pounds of seed for new lawns and overseeding, by grass type.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Seed needed
- 30 lb
- Bags to buy
- 2 x 20 lb
- Seed cost
- $120.00
- Starter fertiliser
- 5 units of 1,000 sq ft coverage
Working
- 15,000 / 1000 x 6 lb x 1 = 30 lb
Quick answer
Seeding rates differ by species: multiply your lawn area by the rate per 1,000 sq ft, and halve it for overseeding an existing lawn.
seed lb = area / 1000 x rate x (0.5 if overseeding)
How to use the Grass Seed Calculator
- 1Measure the lawn area, subtracting beds, paths and the driveway.
- 2Choose the species you are sowing - rates vary by a factor of eight.
- 3Halve the rate when overseeding a thin but living lawn.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Lawn area5000 sq ft
- Grass typeTall fescue (6 lb/1000)
- Job typeNew lawn
- Bag size20 lb
- Cost per bag60 $
Results
- Seed needed30 lb
- Bags to buy2 x 20 lb
- Seed cost$120.00
- Starter fertiliser5 units of 1,000 sq ft coverage
- 5,000 / 1000 x 6 lb x 1 = 30 lb
Frequently asked questions
Can I use more seed to get a thicker lawn?
No. Over-seeded grass competes with itself, produces weak seedlings and thins out within a season. Stick to the label rate.
When is the best time to seed?
Early autumn for cool-season grasses and late spring for warm-season grasses, when soil temperature suits germination.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.