Quick answer: For a new lawn, use about 8–10 lb of tall fescue, 7–8 lb of perennial ryegrass, 3–6 lb of fine fescue or 2–3 lb of Kentucky bluegrass per 1,000 sq ft (Ohio State University). Overseeding a thin lawn takes roughly half those rates.
Seeding Rates by Grass Type
| Grass | New lawn (lb/1,000 sq ft) | Overseeding (about half) |
|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 8–10 | 4–5 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 7–8 | 3.5–4 |
| Fine fescues | 3–6 | 1.5–3 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2–3 | 1–1.5 |
Bluegrass seeds are tiny, so far fewer pounds cover the same area. Seed mixes and warm-season grasses vary, so always check the rate on the bag.
The Formula
Seed (lb) = Lawn area (sq ft) ÷ 1,000 × Seeding rate
Seed Needed by Lawn Size
| Lawn size | Tall fescue | Perennial ryegrass | Kentucky bluegrass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 8–10 lb | 7–8 lb | 2–3 lb |
| 2,500 sq ft | 20–25 lb | 18–20 lb | 5–8 lb |
| 5,000 sq ft | 40–50 lb | 35–40 lb | 10–15 lb |
| 10,000 sq ft | 80–100 lb | 70–80 lb | 20–30 lb |
Skip the math: choose your grass and lawn size to get pounds and bags. Open the free Grass Seed Calculator →
How to Measure Your Lawn
Split the lawn into rectangles, circles and triangles and add their areas, subtracting beds, patios and the house footprint. Our square footage calculator handles each shape.
Seeding Tips
- Seed cool-season grasses in late summer to early fall.
- Loosen the top inch of soil and rake seed in lightly.
- Spread half the seed in each direction for even coverage.
- Keep the surface moist with light, frequent watering until established.
- Feed new lawns with a starter fertilizer; size it with the fertilizer calculator.
Choosing the Right Grass
- Tall fescue: deep roots, good drought and heat tolerance, popular in the transition zone.
- Kentucky bluegrass: fine texture, spreads to repair itself, prefers sun and cooler summers.
- Perennial ryegrass: germinates quickly, great for overseeding and high traffic.
- Fine fescues: best for shade and low-maintenance areas.
Step-by-Step Seeding
- Test and amend the soil if needed.
- Remove weeds and debris, then loosen the top inch.
- Level low spots with topsoil.
- Spread seed at the recommended rate in two directions.
- Rake lightly and roll to press seed into the soil.
- Water lightly once or twice a day until seedlings are about 2 in tall.
- Mow when the grass reaches about one-third above your target height.
Overseeding a Thin Lawn
Mow short, dethatch or core-aerate, then spread seed at about half the new-lawn rate. Overseeding in early fall gives seedlings time to establish before winter and avoids summer weed competition.
How Much Does Grass Seed Cost?
Seed price varies by species and quality. Bluegrass seed costs more per pound but you need far less of it. Compare cost per 1,000 sq ft rather than cost per bag.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much grass seed do I need for 1,000 square feet?
8–10 lb of tall fescue, 7–8 lb of perennial ryegrass, 3–6 lb of fine fescue or 2–3 lb of Kentucky bluegrass.
How much grass seed for an acre?
Multiply the per-1,000 sq ft rate by 43.56. Tall fescue needs about 350–435 lb per acre.
Can I just throw grass seed on my lawn?
Seed needs good soil contact. Rake or core-aerate first for much better germination.
How long does grass seed take to grow?
Ryegrass can sprout in about a week; tall fescue in one to two weeks; bluegrass can take two to four weeks.
Should I use straw over grass seed?
A thin layer of clean straw can help hold moisture on slopes and bare soil; use weed-free straw.
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Try the free Grass Seed Calculator or browse all home improvement calculators.