Project estimator

New Lawn Material Estimator

Seed and soil in one entry. Enter your lawn size and grass type and get the pounds of seed plus the topsoil to build a healthy bed — with a rough cost.

Your project

ft
ft

Overseeding into existing turf uses about half the new-lawn rate.

in

New lawns: 4–6″ of good topsoil.

🌾 Grass Seed Calculator

Seed needed
8.0 lb
Lawn area
1000 sq ft

🌱 Topsoil Calculator

Topsoil needed
12.35 cubic yards
Covers (bed area)
1000 sq ft

Bill of materials

Material Quantity Est. cost Note
Grass seed 8.0 lb $24
Topsoil 12.35 cubic yards $370 Screened topsoil for the bed.
Estimated material cost $394 Typical retail, plan only

Estimates use standard industry volume math and typical retail prices. Confirm quantities with your supplier — prices vary by region and season.

How this estimator works

Your lawn size and grass species drive the seed calculator — each species has a standard rate per 1,000 sq ft, halved for overseeding. The same length and width feed the topsoil calculator using your chosen prep depth. Both lines combine into one bill of materials.

Formula: Seed = area ÷ 1000 × rate × (½ if overseeding); Topsoil = area × depth÷12 ÷ 27

Good for

  • Seeding a lawn from bare soil
  • Overseeding thin turf
  • Building a healthy seedbed
  • Budgeting seed and soil together

Tips

  • Don't over-seed — crowding causes seedlings to compete and damp off.
  • Cool-season grasses establish best in early fall.
  • Keep the top ½″ of soil moist until germination — light watering 2–3× daily.
  • Loosen and level the topsoil before seeding for even coverage.

Calculators used

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References

Estimates use standard industry volume math. Cross-check your numbers against the pros:

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New Lawn Material Estimator FAQ

How much grass seed and topsoil do I need for a new lawn?

Seed depends on species (about 3–9 lb per 1,000 sq ft); topsoil runs roughly 0.5 cubic yards per 100 sq ft at a 6-inch depth. This estimator totals both from one size entry.

How much does a new lawn cost in materials?

Seed is about $2–$4 per pound and screened topsoil around $25–$40 per cubic yard delivered. The cost row is a typical-retail planning estimate.

Should I add topsoil before seeding?

For bare soil, 4–6 inches of screened topsoil gives roots room and drains well. Skipping it leaves seedlings in compacted, low-nutrient ground.

Reviewed by the Yardly Editorial Team

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