16-4-8 Fertilizer
Balanced / all-purpose16-4-8 is 16% nitrogen, 4% phosphate and 8% potash by weight. To apply 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft, spread 6.25 lbs of product per 1,000 sq ft; a 50-lb bag covers about 8,000 sq ft at that rate.
What 16-4-8 Means
Nitrogen (N)
16%
8 lb per bag
Green color and growth
Phosphate (P₂O₅)
4%
2 lb per bag
Root growth, new seedlings
Potash (K₂O)
8%
4 lb per bag
Stress, drought and cold tolerance
Pounds shown are per 50-lb bag. The N:P:K ratio simplifies to 4:1:2. The remainder of the bag is carrier, filler, and secondary nutrients.
How Much 16-4-8 to Apply
Lawn feeding is measured in pounds of nutrient per 1,000 sq ft. Here's how much product hits each common target.
| Target | Product / 1,000 sq ft | Per acre | 50-lb bag covers | Delivers (N-P-K lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 lb N | 1.56 lb | 68.1 lb | 32,000 sq ft | 0.25-0.06-0.13 |
| 0.5 lb N | 3.13 lb | 136 lb | 16,000 sq ft | 0.5-0.13-0.25 |
| 0.75 lb N | 4.69 lb | 204 lb | 10,667 sq ft | 0.75-0.19-0.38 |
| 1 lb N | 6.25 lb | 272 lb | 8,000 sq ft | 1-0.25-0.5 |
What It's For
A 4:1:2 lawn fertilizer, the ratio extension services long recommended for maintenance feeding. Moderate analysis, easy to spread evenly.
When to Use It
Spring and fall feedings, and summer on warm-season grass.
Before You Spread It
- Several states restrict phosphorus on established lawns unless a soil test shows a need or you're seeding. Check your state's rules before using it as a routine feed.
16-4-8 Products in Our Catalog
16-4-8 Calculator
Enter your lawn size to get the total amount, or change the analysis to check a different bag.
Spread 6.25 lb per 1,000 sq ft, 31.25 lb for 5,000 sq ft (0.63 bags).
Delivers 1 lb N, 0.25 lb P₂O₅ and 0.5 lb K₂O per 1,000 sq ft. Never exceed the label rate.
Common Questions
How much 16-4-8 per 1,000 sq ft?
To deliver 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft, apply 6.25 lbs of 16-4-8 per 1,000 sq ft, or about 272 lbs per acre. Many applications use half that or less, and the product label rate always comes first.
What is 16-4-8 fertilizer used for?
A 4:1:2 lawn fertilizer, the ratio extension services long recommended for maintenance feeding. Moderate analysis, easy to spread evenly.
When should I apply 16-4-8?
Spring and fall feedings, and summer on warm-season grass.
What do the numbers 16-4-8 mean?
They're the percentages by weight of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P₂O₅) and potash (K₂O). A 50-lb bag of 16-4-8 contains 8 lbs of nitrogen, 2 lbs of phosphate and 4 lbs of potash; the rest is carrier and other ingredients.
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