Grass Seed Calculator: How Many Pounds?
Find how many pounds of grass seed you need for a new lawn or for overseeding an existing one, by grass type — plus bags and cost.
A new tall fescue lawn needs about 8 lb of seed per 1,000 sq ft, so a 2,000 sq ft lawn needs 16 lb; Kentucky bluegrass needs only about 2.5 lb per 1,000 sq ft. Overseeding uses about half the rate. Always follow the label on your seed bag.
Your numbers
Result
How much grass seed do I need?
Grass seed is applied by weight per 1,000 square feet, and the right rate depends on the species. Small-seeded grasses like Kentucky bluegrass need only a couple of pounds; larger seed such as tall fescue and ryegrass is applied at several times that weight.
Typical seeding rates
| Grass | New lawn (lb / 1,000 sq ft) | Overseeding | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1–3 | 0.5–1.5 | Cool |
| Tall fescue | 6–9 | 3–4.5 | Cool |
| Perennial ryegrass | 6–8 | 3–4 | Cool |
| Fine fescue | 3–6 | 1.5–3 | Cool (shade) |
| Bermuda (hulled) | 1–2 | 0.5–1 | Warm |
Pounds of seed by lawn size (tall fescue, new lawn, 8 lb / 1,000)
| Lawn area | Pounds of seed | 5-lb bags |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 4 | 1 |
| 1.000 sq ft | 8 | 2 |
| 2.000 sq ft | 16 | 4 |
| 5.000 sq ft | 40 | 8 |
| 10.000 sq ft | 80 | 16 |
When and how to sow
Sow cool-season grasses in early fall (best) or spring, and warm-season grasses in late spring when soils are warm. Prepare a loose, level seedbed, rake seed in lightly, press it in with a roller and keep the surface constantly moist until germination. For a quicker lawn, consider sod; to improve the soil first, see the topsoil calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much grass seed do I need for 1,000 square feet?
It depends on the grass: about 1–3 lb of Kentucky bluegrass, 6–9 lb of tall fescue, or 6–8 lb of ryegrass for a new lawn (university extension ranges).
How much seed for overseeding?
Generally half the new-lawn rate — around 3–4 lb of tall fescue per 1,000 sq ft, for example.
How much seed do I need for 5,000 square feet?
Five times the per-1,000 rate: 40 lb of tall fescue for a new lawn, or 12.5 lb of Kentucky bluegrass.
How long does grass seed take to germinate?
Ryegrass sprouts in 5–10 days, tall fescue in 7–14, and Kentucky bluegrass in 14–30 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture.
Can I put too much seed down?
Yes. Overcrowded seedlings compete and are more prone to disease. Stick to the rate on the bag.
How many square feet does a 5-lb bag cover?
About 600 sq ft of new tall fescue lawn (8 lb per 1,000), or roughly 2,000 sq ft of Kentucky bluegrass (2.5 lb per 1,000).
Should I water new seed daily?
Yes, lightly one to three times a day, to keep the top inch moist until the grass is established.
When is the best time to plant grass seed?
Early fall for cool-season lawns; late spring to early summer for warm-season lawns.
Sources and further reading
- Planting a new lawn — University of Illinois Extension
- Turfgrass seed and seed mixtures — Penn State Extension
These references support the general guidance on this page. The calculator applies the standard formulas shown above to the numbers you enter.
Related calculators
. Estimates only. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering, and add extra for waste and site conditions.