🛠️ FreeToolsHub

Lawn Mowing Cost Calculator

Estimate lawn mowing costs based on size, frequency, terrain, and additional services. Perfect for homeowners budgeting lawn care or professionals pricing jobs.

Lawn Details

💡 Average US lawn is ~10,000 sq ft (about 1/4 acre)

💰 Estimated Cost Per Visit

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Enter details to calculate

📊 Quick Reference (Weekly Service)

Small (<7,000 sq ft)$25 - $50
Medium (7-12k sq ft)$45 - $75
Large (12-22k sq ft)$75 - $100
1 Acre+$150 - $250

How Lawn Mowing Costs Are Calculated

Professional lawn care companies use several factors to determine pricing. The most common pricing models are per square foot ($0.01-$0.06), per hour ($30-$65), or flat rate by size category.

Total Cost = Base Price + Terrain Adj. + Grass Height Adj. + Frequency Adj. + Services

📐 Lawn Size

$0.01-$0.06/sqft

Primary cost factor

⛰️ Terrain

+0% to +40%

Slopes & obstacles

🌿 Grass Height

+0% to +50%

Overgrown lawns

📅 Frequency

-0% to +50%

Weekly saves most

Lawn Mowing Prices by Size

Lawn SizeSquare FeetWeeklyBi-weeklyOne-time
Small<7,000$25-$50$29-$58$38-$75
Medium7,000-12,000$45-$75$52-$86$68-$113
Large12,000-22,000$75-$100$86-$115$113-$150
X-Large22,000-43,560$100-$150$115-$173$150-$225
1 Acre43,560$150-$250$173-$288$225-$375

* Prices are for basic mowing only. Additional services like edging, trimming, and cleanup cost extra.

🌿 The 1/3 Rule for Mowing

One of the most important rules in lawn care is the 1/3 rule: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade height at once.

4"

Current Height

→

1.3"

Max to Cut

→

2.7"

New Height

Why it matters: Cutting too much at once stresses the grass, weakens roots, and promotes weed growth. Following the 1/3 rule keeps your lawn healthier and greener.

💡 Tips to Save on Lawn Care

  • ✓Sign up for weekly service (up to 30% off vs one-time)
  • ✓Bundle services together for package discounts
  • ✓Book off-season maintenance at lower rates
  • ✓Keep lawn regularly maintained to avoid surcharges
  • ✓Compare quotes from 3+ providers
  • ✓Ask about neighbor/referral discounts

➕ Additional Service Costs

Edging$20-$50
Trimming/Weed Eating$25-$50
Blowing/Cleanup$15-$35
Bagging Clippings$10-$30
Fertilization$65-$150

Frequently Asked Questions

Most lawn care professionals charge $30-$65 per hour or $50-$250 per service depending on lawn size. For a typical 1/4 acre lawn (about 10,000 sq ft), charge $45-$85. Factor in your time, fuel costs, equipment wear, and desired profit margin. Weekly customers typically get 10-20% discounts.

Use this formula: (Labor time × hourly rate) + Overhead + Equipment costs + Profit margin = Your price. First, estimate how long the job will take. Multiply by your target hourly rate ($30-$65). Add overhead costs (fuel, insurance, travel). Then add your profit margin (typically 20-30%).

Always visit the property first. Measure the lawn size, note obstacles (trees, beds, fences), check grass height and condition, and assess terrain difficulty. Then calculate: base price for size + terrain adjustment + grass condition surcharge + any additional services requested.

The 1/3 rule states you should never cut more than one-third of the grass blade height at once. For example, if your grass is 4 inches tall, only cut 1.3 inches (down to 2.7 inches). This promotes healthier grass, deeper roots, and reduces stress on your lawn. Cutting too much at once can damage the grass and promote weed growth.

During peak growing season (spring and summer), mow weekly. Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue) grow fastest in spring and fall. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia) grow fastest in summer. Reduce frequency to every 2-3 weeks in slower growing periods. Always follow the 1/3 rule.