Grass Seed Calculator
Seeding rates vary hugely by grass type — tall fescue needs about eight times more seed per square foot than Bermuda. Pick your grass and whether you're starting fresh or overseeding.
Results
How the grass seed calculator works
Seeding rates are quoted in pounds per 1,000 square feet and differ by species because seed sizes vary enormously — there are about 2 million Kentucky bluegrass seeds in a pound, but only about 230,000 tall fescue seeds. Overseeding an existing lawn needs roughly half the new-lawn rate.
| Grass type | New lawn | Overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2–3 | 1–1.5 |
| Tall fescue | 8–10 | 4–5 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 7–9 | 3.5–4.5 |
| Fine fescue | 4–5 | 2–2.5 |
| Bermuda (hulled) | 1–2 | 0.5–1 |
| Zoysia | 0.5–1 | 0.25–0.5 |
More is not better: seeding far above the recommended rate makes seedlings compete for light and water, producing a weak, disease-prone lawn.
Seeding tips
- Cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescue, rye) establish best in early fall; warm-season (Bermuda, zoysia) in late spring.
- Seed-to-soil contact is everything: rake the surface first, spread, then rake lightly again and roll or walk it in.
- Split your seed in half and spread in two perpendicular passes for even coverage.
- Keep the top ½" of soil moist until germination — light watering once or twice a day, not a daily soak.
Frequently asked questions
How much grass seed do I need per square foot?
It depends on the species: tall fescue needs 8–10 lb per 1,000 sq ft for a new lawn, Kentucky bluegrass only 2–3 lb, and Bermuda 1–2 lb. Overseeding takes about half those rates.
How much grass seed for a 1/4 acre?
A quarter acre is about 10,900 sq ft. That's roughly 33 lb of Kentucky bluegrass, 98 lb of tall fescue, or 16 lb of Bermuda for a new lawn.
Can I just throw grass seed on my existing lawn?
Broadcast alone gives poor results — seed needs soil contact. Mow short, rake or dethatch, spread seed, then rake it in lightly. Aerating first improves results further.
Is sod or seed better for a new lawn?
Seed is far cheaper ($0.05–0.15 per sq ft vs $0.35–0.85 for sod) and offers more variety, but takes 2–12 months to establish. Sod is instant but costs more and roots best in cooler weather.