Lawn care

Grass Seed Calculator

Enter your lawn area and whether you're starting a new lawn or overseeding a thin one. Rates below are for tall fescue, the Triangle's usual cool-season grass.

At a glance

Job
2 rates
Answer in
lbs

100 sq ft needs:

0.6 lbs

Tall fescue seeds best in early fall in the Triangle. New lawns need a heavier rate than overseeding an existing one; follow your seed bag if it differs.

Lawn care

Knowing the pounds is half of it

The right rate on the wrong date still gives you a thin lawn. Tall fescue wants early fall in the Triangle, and the warm-season grasses want late spring.

How this is worked out

No hidden fudge factor. This is the whole calculation.

  1. Length times width gives the area in square feet.
  2. The rate you pick sets how far one unit goes, from new lawn (about 6 lbs / 1,000 sq ft) to overseeding (about 3.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft).

Common questions

How much grass seed do I need?
Enter your lawn area and whether you're starting a new lawn or overseeding a thin one. Rates below are for tall fescue, the Triangle's usual cool-season grass. Enter your measurements above and this calculator gives you the amount, including a waste allowance where it applies.