Grass Seed Spreader Settings Calculator

Not sure what setting on your spreader for grass seed? Select your spreader brand — including Scotts, Harrells, Bullseye, Earthway, and Agri-Fab — and this rotary spreader settings calculator returns the correct dial number instantly.

Grass Seed Spreader Calculator
Dial Settings

Select a grass type and spreader brand to see recommended dial settings.

What Setting on Spreader for Grass Seed? How This Calculator Works

Wondering what setting on your spreader for grass seed to use? The answer depends on three factors: grass type (seeding rate), spreader brand (dial scale), and spreader type (rotary vs. drop). The grass seed spreader calculator above combines these variables to output a specific dial number — no manual chart lookup required.

  1. Select your grass type to set the target seeding rate in lbs per 1,000 ft².
  2. Choose your spreader brand and type. Scotts, Earthway, Harrells, Bullseye, and Agri-Fab each use different dial scales, so the same application rate maps to a different setting on every model.
  3. Set the application type — new lawn (100%) or overseeding (50%) — which adjusts the rate accordingly.
  4. Enter your lawn area to calculate total seed needed and the number of passes.

Always make two passes at half the recommended setting in perpendicular directions for the most uniform coverage. This is the single most effective technique to eliminate streaks and bare spots, regardless of what spreader setting for grass seed you’re using.

Rotary Spreader Settings by Brand and Grass Type

Each spreader brand uses a different dial scale, which is why rotary spreader settings vary even when the seeding rate is the same. The table below shows approximate broadcast (rotary) spreader settings for common grass types at full (new lawn) seeding rate across all five supported brands.

Grass TypeRate (lbs/1k ft²)ScottsEarthwayAgri-FabHarrellsBullseye
Tall Fescue91322141810
Bahia Grass8.5122113179.5
Perennial Ryegrass7.5111912158.5
Fine Fescue5814910.56
Buffalo Grass46.512795
Kentucky Bluegrass3.55.51067.54.5
Bermuda Grass3.55.51067.54.5
Zoysia Grass23.57453
Centipede Grass1.535342.5

For overseeding, reduce the dial setting by approximately 40–50%. Use the grass seed spreader calculator above for exact overseeding rotary spreader settings.

Harrells Spreader Calculator — Settings Guide

Harrells spreaders are popular with both homeowners and professional lawn-care applicators. The Harrells spreader calculator built into this tool supports their broadcast (rotary) and drop models. Harrells rotary spreader settings run on a wider dial scale than Scotts, typically ranging from 4 (Centipede Grass) to 18 (Tall Fescue) at full seeding rate.

To use the Harrells spreader calculator, simply select “Harrells” from the brand dropdown above, pick your grass type, and the tool returns the correct dial number. If you’re overseeding, switch to the 50% application rate and the Harrells setting will automatically adjust downward.

Harrells models pair especially well with commercial-grade seed blends. If you’re applying a Harrells-branded fertilizer and seed blend, use the rates printed on the bag and cross-reference with this calculator for a precise dial setting.

Bullseye Grass Seed Spreader Setting Guide

Bullseye spreaders use a compact, low-range dial that is calibrated differently from most other brands. Because the Bullseye grass seed spreader setting scale is narrower, even small dial adjustments can change the application rate significantly — making it important to use the correct number.

Typical Bullseye grass seed spreader settings range from about 2.5 for very light-seeded grasses (Centipede, Zoysia) up to 10 for heavy-seeded varieties (Tall Fescue, Bahia). Select “Bullseye” from the brand dropdown above and the calculator will output the right dial setting for your grass type and project.

Because Bullseye dials are sensitive, always perform a calibration test on a 100 ft² area before spreading your entire lawn. This ensures the actual output matches the recommended Bullseye grass seed spreader setting from the calculator.

Broadcast (Rotary) vs. Drop Spreader: Which to Use

A rotary spreader (also called a broadcast spreader) throws seed in a wide arc and covers large areas quickly. A drop spreader releases seed directly below the hopper in a narrow band for precise edge control.

  • Rotary (broadcast) spreaders are best for lawns over 1,000 ft², overseeding, and open areas without tight landscaping borders. Rotary spreader settings are calibrated for a spread width of 6–12 feet depending on the model. Most homeowners asking “what spreader setting for grass seed” are using a rotary model.
  • Drop spreaders are best for small lawns, areas near gardens or sidewalks, and precision applications. Spread width is 18–24 inches. Requires careful overlap to avoid striping.
  • Handheld spreaders work for spot seeding and areas under 500 ft². They provide less uniform coverage and are better suited for touch-up jobs.

For most homeowners, a broadcast (rotary) spreader with an edge guard gives the best combination of speed, coverage, and precision.

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Spreader Settings FAQ

Common questions about what spreader setting for grass seed to use, rotary spreader settings, and brand-specific guides.

The correct setting on your spreader for grass seed depends on three variables: the grass type’s seeding rate (lbs/1,000 ft²), your spreader brand, and whether it’s a rotary or drop model. For example, Tall Fescue at 9 lbs/1,000 ft² needs a Scotts setting of 13, an Earthway setting of 22, a Harrells setting of 18, or a Bullseye setting of 10. Enter your specifics in the grass seed spreader calculator above to get the exact dial number.

There is no single universal spreader setting for grass seed — each brand (Scotts, Earthway, Agri-Fab, Harrells, Bullseye) uses a different dial scale. The same 5 lbs/1,000 ft² seeding rate might be dial 8 on a Scotts, 14 on an Earthway, 9 on an Agri-Fab, 10.5 on a Harrells, and 6 on a Bullseye. Always look up the setting for your specific brand using the calculator above.

Rotary spreader settings for grass seed range from 2.5 to 22 depending on the brand and grass variety. Light-seeded grasses (Zoysia, Centipede) require the lowest rotary dial settings, while heavy-seeded grasses (Tall Fescue, Bahia, Perennial Ryegrass) need the highest. Always make two perpendicular passes at half the rotary setting for even coverage. See the rotary spreader settings chart above for a full breakdown.

Select “Harrells” from the spreader brand dropdown, choose your grass type and rotary/drop setting, then enter your lawn area. The Harrells spreader calculator built into this page will return the exact dial number, application rate, total seed needed, and estimated number of passes. Harrells rotary settings typically run from 4 (Centipede) to 18 (Tall Fescue).

Bullseye grass seed spreader settings use a compact dial scale ranging from about 2.5 (Centipede Grass) to 10 (Tall Fescue). Because the scale is narrower than Scotts or Earthway, small adjustments matter more. Select “Bullseye” in the calculator above and always run a calibration test on 100 ft² to verify your actual output matches the recommended Bullseye setting.

Mark a 10×10 ft (100 ft²) test area. Weigh seed, spread at the recommended setting, then weigh remaining seed. Divide the weight used by 0.1 to get the rate per 1,000 ft². Adjust the dial and repeat until the actual rate matches the target. This process works for Scotts, Earthway, Harrells, Bullseye, and all other broadcast (rotary) spreader brands.

A rotary (broadcast) spreader is better for overseeding. Rotary spreaders throw seed in a wide arc that penetrates existing grass canopy more effectively. Drop spreaders can leave visible lines between passes. Set the dial to the overseeding rate (50% of new lawn) and make two perpendicular passes for even coverage.

Walk at a steady 3 mph — a normal walking pace. Walking faster under-applies seed; walking slower over-applies it. This pace applies to all rotary spreader settings regardless of brand (Scotts, Earthway, Harrells, Bullseye, or Agri-Fab). Maintain the same speed throughout each pass for uniform results.

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