Spreader Settings Calculator

Select your spreader brand and grass type. This grass seed spreader calculator returns the correct dial setting and application details.

Grass Seed Spreader Calculator
Dial Settings

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

How to Set Your Spreader for Grass Seed

The correct spreader setting depends on three factors: grass type (seeding rate), spreader brand (dial scale), and spreader type (broadcast vs. drop). The grass seed spreader calculator above combines these variables to output a specific dial number.

  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, and Agri-Fab use different dial scales, so the same application rate maps to different settings.
  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.

Spreader Settings by Brand and Grass Type

Each spreader brand uses a different dial scale. The table below shows approximate broadcast spreader settings for common grass types at full (new lawn) seeding rate.

Grass TypeRate (lbs/1k ft²)ScottsEarthwayAgri-Fab
Tall Fescue9132214
Bahia Grass8.5122113
Perennial Ryegrass7.5111912
Fine Fescue58149
Buffalo Grass46.5127
Kentucky Bluegrass3.55.5106
Bermuda Grass3.55.5106
Zoysia Grass23.574
Centipede Grass1.5353

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

Broadcast vs. Drop Spreader: Which to Use

Broadcast spreaders throw seed in a wide arc and cover large areas quickly. Drop spreaders release seed directly below the hopper in a narrow band for precise edge control.

  • Broadcast (rotary) spreaders are best for lawns over 1,000 ft², overseeding, and open areas without tight landscaping borders. Spread width is 6–12 feet depending on the 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 spreader with edge guard gives the best combination of speed, coverage, and precision.

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Spreader FAQ

Answers about spreader settings and grass seed application.

Scotts broadcast settings range from 3 (Centipede Grass) to 13 (Tall Fescue) depending on the seeding rate. For Kentucky Bluegrass at 3.5 lbs/1,000 ft², use setting 5.5. For Perennial Ryegrass at 7.5 lbs/1,000 ft², use setting 11. Enter your exact grass type in the grass seed spreader calculator above.

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.

A broadcast (rotary) spreader is the best choice for most residential lawns. It covers large areas quickly with more even distribution than a drop spreader. Scotts EdgeGuard models are a popular mid-range option. For precision near flower beds, use a drop spreader.

Walk at a steady 3 mph — a normal walking pace. Walking faster under-applies seed; walking slower over-applies it. Keep the same speed throughout and make two perpendicular passes at half setting for the most uniform result.

Broadcast spreaders are better for overseeding. They throw seed in a wide arc that penetrates existing grass canopy. Drop spreaders can leave visible lines between passes. Set the dial to the overseeding rate (50% of new lawn) and make two perpendicular passes.