Grass Seed Calculator

Find out how many pounds of grass seed you need for your lawn — for a new lawn or overseeding — plus an estimate of the cost.

How to calculate grass seed

Seed coverage is based on your lawn area and a seeding rate per 1000 square feet:

Pounds of seed = (lawn area ÷ 1000) × seeding rate

For odd-shaped lawns, split the area into rectangles, work out each, and add them together. The right seeding rate depends on your grass type and whether it's a new lawn or an overseed.

Typical seeding rates

UseRate (lbs / 1000 sq ft)
New lawn (cool-season)4–6
Overseeding an existing lawn2–4
New lawn (warm-season)1–2

Seed vs. sod

  • Seed is cheaper and has more variety, but takes weeks to establish and needs careful watering.
  • Sod gives an instant lawn — order your lawn's square footage plus about 5%, with a pallet covering roughly 450 sq ft.
  • Prep matters most. Loosen and level the soil and add starter fertilizer for either option.

Frequently asked questions

How much seed for a 2,000 sq ft lawn?
At a new-lawn rate of 5 lbs per 1000 sq ft, you'd need about 10 lbs of grass seed.
What's the seeding rate for a new lawn?
About 4–6 lbs per 1000 sq ft for cool-season grass, and roughly half that for overseeding. Check your bag.
Can I use this for sod?
Yes — sod is sold by the square foot, so your lawn area is the amount to order, plus ~5% for trimming.
When should I plant?
Early fall is best for cool-season grasses; late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses.

Related calculators & guides