Grass Seed Calculator
Pounds of grass seed for a new or overseeded lawn
Seeding a lawn? Enter the area to estimate the pounds of grass seed for a brand-new lawn and for overseeding.
Seeding rates
Rates vary by grass type, but a common guide is about 16 lb per 1,000 ft² for a new lawn and roughly half that for overseeding. Always check your seed bag's label, since fine seeds like Kentucky bluegrass are sown far lighter than coarse ryegrass or tall fescue.
New lawn vs. overseeding
A bare new lawn needs full coverage; overseeding only thickens existing turf, so you use about half the seed. This calculator shows both. Seeding too heavily backfires — crowded seedlings compete for light and water and grow thin and disease-prone.
Timing and seed-to-soil contact
Cool-season grasses (fescue, rye, bluegrass) go down best in early fall; warm-season grasses in late spring. Rake seed lightly into loosened soil, keep the top inch consistently moist until germination, and don't let it dry out — good seed-to-soil contact and steady moisture matter more than the exact poundage.
Grass Seed Calculator: frequently asked questions
How much grass seed per 1000 square feet?
Around 16 lb for a new lawn and ~8 lb for overseeding, depending on the grass variety.
Can I use too much grass seed?
Yes — overseeding too heavily causes seedlings to compete and grow weak. Follow the bag's rate.
Should I use a starter fertilizer with new seed?
Yes — a phosphorus-rich starter fertilizer at seeding supports root development. Hold off on regular weed-and-feed products until the new grass has been mowed two or three times.