How long does it take to mow a lawn, I hear you ask… It’s a question as timeless as the lawns themselves, stretching across endless backyards and neatly trimmed front gardens.
Our mowing calculator is your essential tool to help you uncover the factors that influence the time it takes to mow a lawn. From the size of your turf to the horsepower of your mower, from the growth rate of your grass to the intricacies of landscape features, our mowing calculator will give you a comprehensive estimation.
Join us as we cut through the noise (and the grass) and show you how to use our mower calmculator to help you estimate the time you’ll spend behind the mower – but also offer tips to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Mowing Calculator
Quickly and easily estimate how long it will take to mow your grass in seconds! To estimate the time it will take to cut your lawn with a push mower, ride on mower, or zero turn mower, use our lawnmower calculator.
Whether you need to work out how long does it take to mow an acre, or how long to mow 5 acres, our mower calculator can give you an estimate on mowing time based on average mowing speeds.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb, a new lawn care business owner, or a first-time homeowner staring down the expanse of your own little patch of green, understanding the time investment required for lawn maintenance is essential.
Our Lawn Mower Calculator can be a great tool to help you decide what size mower you need for your property. Before you go out and buy a lawnmower, it is important to get an idea of how long it takes to mow your grass with different types of mowers.
That way you can make sure you are looking for mowers that are best suited to the size of your property. This is where our simple Lawn Mowing Calculator comes in! Just plug in the size of your yard, and the types of mowers you are considering and it will give you an estimate on how long it will take to cut your lawn with each one. You may even be able to reduce your lawn mowing time, by choosing the best lawn mower for your yard or acreage.
DID YOU KNOW…
YOU CAN SAVE MORE TIME WITH AN AUTOMOWER!
Do you know that automowers, also known as robot mowers, can mow anything from a simple backyard to an acreage or rural block. This can be especially useful for busy people, or those who outsource the job to someone else – it can be a real money saver!
Can you imagine freeing up your time, and always having a perfect lawn, just by setting it up once and letting it do its thing?
But not all robot mowers are equal. We recommend a Husqvarna as they are the leaders in the field of automowers, their technology is superior, and you know that you will get a reliable machine that does what it is supposed to do. Check out our Husqvarna Robot Mowers for sale here.
Why is a mowing calculator useful?
A mowing calculator helps you estimate mowing time and costs, making lawn care planning more efficient. Whether you’re choosing a mower or considering professional services, understanding average mowing speed and time can guide better decisions.
Our grass cutting calculator estimates how long it’ll take to mow your lawn based on average speeds. It helps you avoid buying the wrong mower—too large, and it’s heavy and bulky; too small, and mowing takes forever. Since a mower is a long-term investment, getting the right size matters.
The calculator also helps you decide whether a self-propelled, ride-on, or robotic mower would better suit your lawn size, terrain, and lifestyle—saving you time and effort in the long run. It ensures you invest in the right equipment from the start, avoiding costly mistakes or unnecessary upgrades later.
How fast can a lawnmower go?
The following guide can help with determining how fast a lawnmower can go on average.
| Mower Conditions | mph | kph |
| Push mower | 1.2 – 1.9 | 2 – 3 |
| Ride on | 3.6 – 5.2 | 5.9 – 8.4 |
| Zero Turn | 4.5 – 6.5 | 7.3 – 10.5 |
At first glance, it might seem simple to answer this, but mowing speed depends on several factors—like mower type, property size, terrain, and grass length. Are you using a push mower for 1 acre or wondering how long it takes to mow 2 acres with a zero-turn?
Our mowing estimate calculator helps by letting you choose between a push mower, ride-on, or zero-turn. You can also select grass length (short or long) and terrain type (flat or hilly). These details impact how quickly you can finish mowing—especially with push mowers, which are harder to use on long grass or slopes.
The calculator provides an educated estimate based on average speeds and your property details. While we can’t account for your personal fitness level, we can recommend a self propelled mower if you want to reduce effort and speed things up.
It’s also a handy tool when deciding what mower size or type to buy. Seeing how much time different models can save might justify upgrading—better to realise it now than after making the wrong purchase.
What is the average time it takes to mow a lawn?
For a small to medium sized lawn of approximately 100m2, it will take around 5 to 10 minutes to mow your lawn with a push mower. This does not include the time that it takes to empty your catcher or trim the lawn edges with a grass trimmer.
The reason for such a variation in estimate for how long it takes to mow a lawn is because it all depends on a number of factors such as the:
- size of the mower deck. A push mower cutting deck can range from 16-22 inches which is the ideal size to mow your lawn beautifully efficiently and quickly.
- fitness level of the operator.
- length of the grass. (Long grass will not only be harder to push through, but you will also need to count more time for emptying the catcher)
- number of obstacles.
- power of your lawnmower.
- gradient of the lawn. House slopes can commonly have a gradient of between 3% and 25%. A lawn with bigger slopes will take longer to mow!)
- whether the mower is self propelled! If the mower is helping you to push, its going to make light of your work, and you will get the job done faster.
Mowing acres per hour calculator
I takes approximately 2.5 hours to mow an acre with a 19″ push mower, 35 minutes with a 42″ ride on mower, and 20 minutes with a 60″ zero turn mower. This is based on short grass, with minimal obstacles or slopes and reasonable fitness levels for the calculations with the push mower.
So if you were to ask me if a push mower is the optimal choice for mower acres per hour, I would say no. It would not be the best use of your time. Do you really want to spend every weekend in spring and summer mowing for over 2 hours? It might be a good fitness routine for the short-term but how long will that last?
Personally, if I had an acre of lawn to mow I would skip the calculations all together and invest in one of the Husqvarna Automowers. Once they are set up they mow every day, your lawn never gets long, always looks tidy and you don’t have to do anything. If robots aren’t your thing, then just upgrade to a lawn tractor as they will drastically cut down your time and effort.
How many acres can I cut per hour
The number of acres you can mow per hour depends on mower type, cutting width, terrain, grass density, and mowing speed. Here are rough estimates:
- Push Reel Mowers: Ideal for small lawns; typically cut 0.1–0.3 acres/hour.
- Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers: With 20–30″ decks, they can cut around 0.2–0.5 acres/hour.
- Riding Lawn Mowers: With wider decks (30–60″), they cover roughly 0.5–1.5 acres/hour.
- Zero-Turn Mowers: Known for speed and agility, they can cut 1.5–4 acres/hour depending on model and conditions.
These are general estimates, and actual results can vary depending on several factors—such as the height and thickness of the grass, how uneven or sloped the terrain is, the efficiency and condition of your mower, and even the skill and pace of the person operating it. For a more accurate assessment tailored to your specific lawn and equipment, we recommend using our acres-per-hour calculator above. This user-friendly tool helps you estimate your mowing capacity by factoring in your mower type, cutting width, and lawn size.
In addition, for the most precise information, it’s always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for your specific mower model. These specs often include optimal mowing speeds and capacities, helping you better understand how to get the most out of your machine.
Mowing square meters per hour
It will take approximately 1 hour to mow 1200m2 with a 19 inch push mower if it is relatively flat with minimal obstacles. However, if you have a 42 inch ride on mower, it would take you approximately 1 hour to mow 5000m2. This huge difference is why it is so important to make sure you buy the right sized mower to suit the size of your block from the very beginning. An don’t forget, push mowers have smaller catchers which means they will fill up faster and need to be emptied more often and will take more time.
Benefits of a Lawn Mower Calculator: Estimating Mowing Time and Costs for Your Lawn
Maintaining a well-groomed lawn not only enhances the aesthetics of your property but also promotes a healthy outdoor environment. When it comes to hiring a professional lawn care service or even calculating the time and costs of mowing your own lawn, having a clear understanding of factors like mowing time, lawn size, and average mowing speed can be valuable.
Mowing Price Calculator:
If you are considering hiring a lawn care service, our mowing calculator can help you estimate the cost of mowing your lawn. We provide you with a close estimate of how long it will take to mow your lawn with different sized machines, and our calculator takes into account factors like lawn size, grass height, complexity of the terrain, and frequency of service. By inputting these details, you can obtain an estimate of the cost of mowing your lawn. Some lawn care service websites even provide online calculators, simplifying the process of obtaining an mowing price estimate.
The Average Time It Takes to Mow:
For an average-sized residential lawn of around 500m², using a push mower, it may take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. The average size of a backyard in Australia can vary depending on various factors such as location, property type, and urban or rural settings. However, according to a survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2017-2018, the average size of a residential block, including the backyard, was approximately 474 square meters (5,100 square feet). The average time it takes to mow a lawn is influenced by factors such as lawn size, equipment efficiency, operator experience, and terrain complexity. However, larger lawns or those with intricate landscapes might require more time.
Average Mowing Speed:
Mowing speed varies based on the mower type, operator’s skill level, and terrain conditions. Walk-behind mowers typically have an average mowing speed of 4 to 5.6 kilometers per hour (2.5 to 3.5 miles per hour). This speed allows for a balance between efficiency and maintaining the quality of cut. However, it’s important to note that your own comfort, safety, and ability to maneuver obstacles can influence the chosen mowing speed.
Factors Affecting Mowing Speed:
Several factors can impact the mowing speed, including:
a. Grass Height and Density: Longer or thicker grass may require slower mowing speeds to ensure an even and clean cut.
b. Terrain Complexity: Uneven or sloped terrain might necessitate slower speeds to ensure safe and efficient mowing.
c. Obstacles: Trees, flower beds, rocks, and other obstacles on the lawn may require the operator to slow down and maneuver carefully around them.
d. Operator Experience: Experienced operators tend to have better control over the mower and can maintain a consistent speed throughout the mowing process.
How to Mow My Lawn Faster
To optimise your mowing process, consider the following tips:
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping your lawn well-maintained with regular mowing helps maintain a consistent mowing time. Avoid letting the grass grow excessively long, as this may increase mowing time and strain on the mower.
- Mower Maintenance: Ensure your mower is in good working condition. Keep the blades sharp and properly adjusted, as dull blades can result in an uneven cut and slower mowing speed.
- Plan Your Route: Before starting to mow, plan your mowing route to efficiently cover the entire lawn. This reduces the need to backtrack or make unnecessary turns, saving time and effort.
- Practice Mowing Patterns: Changing your mowing pattern with each mow helps prevent soil compaction and encourages grass to grow upright. It also ensures an even cut and reduces the risk of creating ruts in the lawn.
- Remove Obstacles: Clear the lawn of any debris, toys, or other objects that may hinder your mowing progress. This reduces the need to slow down or maneuver around obstacles, saving time and preventing potential mower damage.
- Consider Using a Lawn Striping Kit: If you desire a professional-looking lawn with striped patterns, consider using a lawn striping kit. These attachments for your mower create aesthetically pleasing patterns as you mow, adding a visual appeal to your lawn.
By following these tips and considering the estimated mowing time, average mowing speed, and factors affecting it, you can effectively plan your lawn care routine by using our mow time calculator. Whether you choose to hire a professional service or tackle the task yourself, understanding these aspects will contribute to a well-groomed and healthy lawn.
Remember, the joy of a well-maintained lawn goes beyond the time spent mowing. It provides a pleasant outdoor space for relaxation, activities, and enhances the overall beauty of your property.
Need An Extra Pair of Hands?
According to the team at Local Workforce Hire, one of the most overlooked factors in mowing efficiency is having the right team for the job. “We often see clients underestimate how long large areas will take to cut, even with high-capacity equipment,” a rep from the company explains. “Once you run the numbers with a mower calculator, it becomes clear that having an extra set of hands can save time and reduce wear on your gear.” If you’re facing a bigger job than expected, they recommend calling in temporary help to stay productive without burning out your core crew.
Common Questions
Sometimes you don’t have time to read a whole article. While we think our mowing time calculator says it all and answers most of your questions, we have put together a list of common questions and answers to make things even easier for you.