Fertilizer Calculator
How many bags of fertilizer for your lawn
Feeding your lawn? Enter the area to estimate how many bags of fertilizer you need, based on a typical bag's coverage.
Reading the bag
Most lawn fertilizer bags state the area they cover — commonly around 5,000 ft² per bag. We use that as a default; adjust by checking your specific product. The three numbers on the bag (N-P-K) are the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Applying it evenly
Apply with a spreader at the labeled setting, walking at a steady pace. For even coverage, make two passes at half the rate in perpendicular directions rather than one heavy pass — striping and burn marks come from overlap and uneven walking speed.
How much and how often
Lawns generally want about 3–4 light feedings across the growing season, totaling roughly 2–4 lb of actual nitrogen per 1,000 ft² per year. Water it in after applying (unless it's a weed-and-feed), and never fertilize a drought-stressed, dormant lawn.
Fertilizer Calculator: frequently asked questions
How much area does a bag of fertilizer cover?
Commonly about 5,000 square feet, but always check your bag — coverage varies by formula.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
Typically 3–4 light applications across the growing season, following the product's schedule.
What do the numbers on fertilizer mean?
They're the N-P-K ratio — the percentage by weight of nitrogen (leaf growth), phosphorus (roots) and potassium (hardiness). A 26-0-3 bag is 26% nitrogen, no phosphorus, 3% potassium.