20-20-20 Fertilizer
Balanced / all-purpose20-20-20 is 20% nitrogen, 20% phosphate and 20% potash by weight. To apply 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft, spread 5 lbs of product per 1,000 sq ft; a 50-lb bag covers about 10,000 sq ft at that rate.
What 20-20-20 Means
Nitrogen (N)
20%
10 lb per bag
Green color and growth
Phosphate (P₂O₅)
20%
10 lb per bag
Root growth, new seedlings
Potash (K₂O)
20%
10 lb per bag
Stress, drought and cold tolerance
Pounds shown are per 50-lb bag. The N:P:K ratio simplifies to 1:1:1. The remainder of the bag is carrier, filler, and secondary nutrients.
How Much 20-20-20 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 | 1.25 lb | 54.5 lb | 40,000 sq ft | 0.25-0.25-0.25 |
| 0.5 lb N | 2.5 lb | 109 lb | 20,000 sq ft | 0.5-0.5-0.5 |
| 0.75 lb N | 3.75 lb | 163 lb | 13,333 sq ft | 0.75-0.75-0.75 |
| 1 lb N | 5 lb | 218 lb | 10,000 sq ft | 1-1-1 |
What It's For
A water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer, dissolved and sprayed. Feeds through leaves and roots, with quick but short-lived results.
When to Use It
Light liquid feedings during active growth, e.g. new lawns that can't take a spreader yet.
Before You Spread It
- Fully soluble nitrogen. Keep it light, around 0.25 lb N per 1,000 sq ft, and don't spray in afternoon heat.
- 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.
20-20-20 Calculator
Enter your lawn size to get the total amount, or change the analysis to check a different bag.
Spread 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft, 25 lb for 5,000 sq ft (0.5 bags).
Delivers 1 lb N, 1 lb P₂O₅ and 1 lb K₂O per 1,000 sq ft. Never exceed the label rate.
Common Questions
How much 20-20-20 per 1,000 sq ft?
To deliver 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft, apply 5 lbs of 20-20-20 per 1,000 sq ft, or about 218 lbs per acre. Many applications use half that or less, and the product label rate always comes first.
What is 20-20-20 fertilizer used for?
A water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer, dissolved and sprayed. Feeds through leaves and roots, with quick but short-lived results.
When should I apply 20-20-20?
Light liquid feedings during active growth, e.g. new lawns that can't take a spreader yet.
What do the numbers 20-20-20 mean?
They're the percentages by weight of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P₂O₅) and potash (K₂O). A 50-lb bag of 20-20-20 contains 10 lbs of nitrogen, 10 lbs of phosphate and 10 lbs of potash; the rest is carrier and other ingredients.
Grass Type Guides
Other Fertilizer Analyses
Get Exact Amounts for Your Lawn
Map your lawn, pick your products, and LawnMaps works out the pounds per zone, your spreader setting, and when to put it down.
Get Started Free