A 24-0-11 fertilizer applied at 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet needs about 4.2 lb of product per 1,000 square feet, or 20.8 lb for a 5,000 square foot lawn.
How the fertilizer calculator works
FertilizerCalc reads the guaranteed analysis on the bag as percentages by weight: nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5) and potash (K2O). The pounds of product per 1,000 square feet are your nutrient target divided by that nutrient's percentage as a decimal. That rate times your area in thousands of square feet is the total, rounded up to whole bags; the rate times 43.56 is the amount per acre. The same rate also tells you how much of the other two nutrients you are applying, and how far one bag goes.
Yearly nitrogen by grass type
| Grass | lb N per 1,000 sq ft per year | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 2–4 | cool-season |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 3–5 | cool-season |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2–4 | cool-season |
| Fine fescue | 1–2 | cool-season |
| Bermudagrass | 3–5 | warm-season |
| Zoysiagrass | 2–3 | warm-season |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2–4 | warm-season |
| Centipedegrass | 1–2 | warm-season |
| Buffalograss | 1–2 | warm-season |
Pounds of product for 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft
| Fertilizer | Per 1,000 sq ft | Per acre |
|---|---|---|
| 46% N (e.g. 46-0-0) | 2.2 lb | 95 lb |
| 32% N (e.g. 32-0-4) | 3.1 lb | 136 lb |
| 29% N (e.g. 29-0-4) | 3.4 lb | 150 lb |
| 24% N (e.g. 24-0-4) | 4.2 lb | 182 lb |
| 16% N (e.g. 16-0-4) | 6.3 lb | 272 lb |
| 10% N (e.g. 10-0-10) | 10 lb | 436 lb |
Ranges are typical US university extension guidance; your local extension office and a soil test give the best numbers for your lawn. Follow the product label and local rules on phosphorus and timing. Results are estimates.
Frequently asked questions
How much fertilizer do I need for my lawn?
Divide the pounds of nitrogen you want per 1,000 sq ft (often 0.5–1 lb) by the first N-P-K number as a decimal. For 1 lb N with a 24-0-11 that is 1 ÷ 0.24 = 4.2 lb per 1,000 sq ft.
What do the three numbers on fertilizer mean?
They are the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5) and potash (K2O) by weight. A 50 lb bag of 10-10-10 holds 5 lb of each.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
Most lawns need 2–4 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per year, split into feedings of about 0.5–1 lb, so roughly 2–5 feedings a year depending on the grass.
Is FertilizerCalc free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads.
Are my numbers saved?
Yes, in this browser only.