How this calculator works
Seeding rates depend on both the grass species and whether you’re starting a new lawn or overseeding. Pick your grass type and the calculator applies the right rate per 1,000 sq ft — the heavier rate for a new lawn, a lighter rate for overseeding.
2,000 ÷ 1,000 × 6 = 12 pounds of seed.
Why grass type matters
Seed size, growth habit, and germination speed change how much you need. Spreading grasses like Kentucky bluegrass (2–3 lb) need less; bunch-type or large-seeded grasses like tall fescue (4–6 lb), perennial ryegrass (5–8 lb), and bahia (5–10 lb) need more. A new lawn uses roughly double the overseeding rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much grass seed per 1,000 sq ft by type?
For a new lawn, roughly: Kentucky bluegrass 2–3 lb, tall fescue 4–6 lb, perennial ryegrass 5–8 lb, and bahia 5–10 lb per 1,000 sq ft.
How much seed for overseeding vs a new lawn?
Overseeding uses about half the new-lawn rate — enough to thicken existing turf without crowding it.