Calculate how much grass seed or sod you need for new lawns, overseeding, and patch repairs. Get results in pounds of seed, number of sod pallets, and estimated cost.
Estimates only — seeding rates vary by grass variety, soil condition, and climate. Check seed packaging for manufacturer recommendations.
Seeding a new 5,000 square foot lawn with tall fescue at 8 lbs per 1,000 sqft plus 10% extra? You need about 44 pounds of seed. That's roughly 2 bags of 25-lb seed. At $2–$4 per pound for quality seed, budget $88–$176. Compared to sodding the same area at $0.40–$0.80 per sqft ($2,200–$4,400), seed is dramatically cheaper — just slower.
| Grass Type | New Lawn (lbs/1,000 sqft) | Overseeding | Climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 3 | 1.5 | Cool season |
| Tall Fescue | 8 | 4 | Cool season |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 8 | 4 | Cool season |
| Fine Fescue | 5 | 2.5 | Cool season |
| Bermuda Grass | 2 | 1 | Warm season |
| Zoysia | 2 | 1 | Warm season |
It depends on the grass type. Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass need 8 lbs per 1,000 sqft for new lawns. Kentucky bluegrass needs only 3 lbs. For overseeding, use half the new lawn rate.
A standard pallet of 16×24 inch sod covers about 450 sqft (171 pieces). A 5,000 sqft lawn needs about 12 pallets. Always order 10% extra for cuts around edges and curves.
Seed is 80–90% cheaper. A 5,000 sqft lawn costs roughly $100–$200 in seed versus $2,000–$4,000 in sod. But sod gives you an instant lawn in one day while seed takes 3–4 weeks to germinate and 2–3 months to fill in.
Cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass): plant in early fall, September is ideal. Second-best is early spring. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia): plant in late spring to early summer when soil is consistently above 65°F.
Ryegrass germinates in 5–10 days. Fescue in 7–14 days. Kentucky bluegrass takes 14–28 days. Full establishment for a thick lawn takes 2–3 months from seeding.
Typical Results
💡 Sod must be installed within 24–48 hours of delivery — have your site fully prepared before ordering.
Common Mistakes