Grass Seed Coverage Calculator
Choose whether you are planting a brand new lawn or overseeding an existing one, pick a grass seed brand and bag size, and estimate how many bags you need. You can also plug in a custom mix with your own bag weight and seed rate.
Coverage numbers are approximate and based on typical manufacturer guidance. Always check the directions on your specific bag and adjust based on your soil, spreader, and local conditions.
Lawn type and size
Lawn type
Measure your lawn or use a mapping tool to estimate. Coverage assumes total grass area, not driveway or patio.
Brand and bag
Cool-season sun and shade mix
Application rate
Typical new lawns use around 8–10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Overseeding usually runs closer to 3–5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft.
This rate is outside common ranges. Double-check the bag directions.
Package guidance (selected bag)
Approx. 2.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for planting a brand new lawn.
Coverage on the bag: 1,200 sq ft.
Effective coverage per bag
1,200 sq ft per bag
Results
Lawn size
5,000 sq ft
Planting a brand new lawn
Brand and bag
Scotts Turf Builder Sun & Shade Mix
3 lb bag
Seed rate used
2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft
Package implied rate is 2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft for this bag and lawn type.
Bags required
5 bags
Total seed weight
15.0 lbs
Brand coverage reference
Coverage numbers below are approximate manufacturer guidelines. Actual results depend on soil prep, spreader settings, and conditions.
| Brand | Bag | New lawn | Reseed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Turf Builder Sun & Shade Mix | 3 lb | 1,200 sq ft · 2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 3,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Scotts Turf Builder Sun & Shade Mix | 7 lb | 2,800 sq ft · 2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 8,400 sq ft · 0.8 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Scotts Turf Builder Sun & Shade Mix | 20 lb | 8,000 sq ft · 2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair | 10 lb | 225 sq ft · 44.4 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 225 sq ft · 44.4 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra | 3 lb | 1,200 sq ft · 2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 3,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra | 7 lb | 2,800 sq ft · 2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 7,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra | 25 lb | 10,000 sq ft · 2.5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 25,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade | 3 lb | 1,000 sq ft · 3.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 3,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade | 7 lb | 2,330 sq ft · 3.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 7,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade | 20 lb | 6,660 sq ft · 3.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Vigoro Sun & Shade Mix | 3 lb | 1,000 sq ft · 3.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 3,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Vigoro Sun & Shade Mix | 7 lb | 2,333 sq ft · 3.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 7,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Vigoro Sun & Shade Mix | 20 lb | 6,666 sq ft · 3.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft · 1.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
How to think about grass seed coverage for new lawns vs. overseeding
New lawns and overseeding projects are not the same job. On bare soil, every plant has to come from seed, so you need a much heavier application rate to avoid thin, patchy coverage. When you overseed an existing lawn, you are mostly filling gaps and thickening what is already there, so you can get away with far less seed per square foot. That is why most bags list two numbers: one for new lawns and one for overseeding.
As a rule of thumb, new cool-season lawns often land around 8–10 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet, while overseeding is closer to 3–5 pounds per 1,000 square feet. The presets in this calculator take those ranges into account, and you can always override the rate if you prefer to follow a specific manufacturer recommendation.
Why different brands and mixes cover different amounts
Not all seed mixes are created equal. Some bags are mostly inexpensive perennial ryegrass for fast germination, while others lean on tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass for deeper roots and long-term durability. Seed coatings and filler materials also change how dense a bag really is. Two 20-pound bags from different brands can legitimately claim different coverage numbers even when you are aiming for similar lawn types.
The coverage table in this tool gives you a quick way to compare those labeled differences. You can see how many square feet each bag is rated for under new and reseed directions, and the approximate pounds per 1,000 square feet those numbers imply. Use that as a sanity check if a bag's marketing claims look too good to be true.
Seed mixes, cool-season vs. warm-season, and regional fit
Sun and shade mixes like the ones listed here are typically cool-season grasses meant for northern climates: tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass in different ratios. In warmer regions that favor warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia, or St. Augustine, coverage behavior and recommended rates can look different. Seed may also be expensive or limited if your local turf spreads primarily by stolons or plugs instead of dense seeding.
Whatever mix you choose, the basics are the same: prep the soil by removing debris and thatch, lightly loosen the top layer, spread seed evenly, and then get good contact by raking or rolling. Topdressing with a thin layer of peat or compost can help retain moisture during germination, especially on slopes or in exposed areas.
Watering and timing matter as much as coverage
Even perfect math will not fix poor watering or bad timing. New seed needs the top layer of soil to stay consistently moist (not soaked) until seedlings are established. That often means light, frequent watering rather than occasional deep soaks. Planting during the right season for your grass type—usually early fall or spring for cool-season lawns—also makes it easier to hit those moisture and temperature windows without fighting extreme heat.
Use this calculator to pick a reasonable number of bags, then treat the instructions on the bag as the final word. If you have tricky slopes, heavy shade, or compacted soil, it can be worth talking to a local lawn pro for region-specific guidance instead of relying purely on generic numbers.
If you are planning a larger renovation that includes painting or other home projects, the Paint Coverage Calculator and the Hourly → Salary → After-Tax Calculator can help you estimate material needs and understand how those costs fit into your monthly budget. You can always head back to the LifeHackToolbox homepage to browse more tools as they are added.
Nothing here replaces local agronomy advice or the directions on your seed bag. Use this calculator to get into the right range, then adjust based on what your soil, climate, and lawn actually need.