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Grass Seed Calculator

A grass seed calculator tells you how much seed a lawn needs. It takes the lawn size, the seed type, and whether you are starting a new lawn or overseeding an existing one, and returns the pounds of seed and the cost. Type the lawn size below and pick a seed. Everything runs in your browser, with no signup.

Updated for 2026

Your lawn

Enter the size and pick a seed. Results update instantly.
ft
ft
$/ lb
Grass seed needed
0
Lawn area
0 ft²
Rate used
0 lb / 1k
Seed cost
$0
Covers
0 ft²
If new lawn vs overseed
0 lb

Seeding rates by grass type

Pounds per 1,000 square feet for a new lawn. Overseeding uses about half. Tap a row to load that seed.

Seed typeNew lawn rateOverseed rateBest for

How the seed amount is calculated

Grass seed is applied at a rate of pounds per 1,000 square feet that depends on the seed type. Divide the lawn area by 1,000 and multiply by the rate:

Pounds of seed = ( Area ÷ 1000 ) × Rate per 1,000 ft²

A new lawn on bare soil uses the full rate for complete cover. Overseeding an existing lawn to thicken it uses about half the rate. Sowing much heavier than recommended makes seedlings compete and weakens the lawn, so stay close to the rate.

Worked example (Stand: 2026)
  • Lawn50 ft × 40 ft
  • Area (50 × 40)2,000 ft²
  • SeedTall fescue, new lawn
  • Rate7 lb / 1,000 ft²
  • Seed (2,000 ÷ 1000 × 7)14 lb
  • Overseed instead (half rate)7 lb
  • Seed cost (14 × $4)$56

Frequently asked questions

How much grass seed do I need?
Divide the lawn area by 1,000 and multiply by the seeding rate for your seed. The calculator above does this and shows both the new lawn and overseed amounts.
How much seed per 1,000 square feet?
New lawn rates run about: tall fescue 6 to 8, perennial ryegrass 5 to 9, Kentucky bluegrass 2 to 3, fine fescue 4 to 5, and Bermuda 1 to 2 pounds. Overseeding uses about half.
New lawn or overseeding?
A new lawn on bare soil uses the full rate. Overseeding adds seed to an existing lawn to thicken it and uses about half the rate. Use the toggle above to switch.
Can I use too much seed?
Yes. Over sowing makes seedlings compete for water and light, which thins and weakens the lawn and invites disease. Stay close to the recommended rate.
Does this calculator store my numbers?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to a server or saved.

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