
How long does it take to mow a lawn? It’s a question that comes up often. The answer depends on your yard size, mower type, and even how thick the grass is.
That’s where our mowing calculator guide helps. You’ll get a good idea of how much time you’ll spend mowing. It’s also a handy way to compare mower types before you buy.
Not sure which mower size fits your property? Check out our guide here: What Size Lawn Mower Do I Need?
Mowing Time Calculator Guide
Use the mowing time calculator approach below to estimate how long it will take to mow your yard with a push mower, riding mower, or zero turn. Enter your yard size and mower type, and you’ll get a time estimate in minutes.
Want to know how long it takes to mow an acre or even five acres? A lawn mowing calculator shows average mowing times based on mower speed and cutting width. This helps you match the right machine to the size of your property.
Formula for Acres Per Hour
To figure out how much area a mower covers, you can use this formula:
Acres per Hour = (MPH × Deck Width (inches) × Efficiency Factor) ÷ 100
- MPH: Average speed of the mower in miles per hour.
- Deck Width (inches): Cutting width of the mower deck, accounting for a slight overlap (usually around 90% of the manufacturer’s stated width).
- Efficiency Factor: Percentage that accounts for turning, obstacles, and overlaps. An 80% efficiency is common for uneven yards.
Want to compare mower options side by side? See our Lawn Mower Comparison Chart or check out these Tips for Selecting the Right Kubota Mower.
How Speed and Deck Size Affect Output
Mower Type | Deck Width (inches) | Typical Speed (MPH) | Approximate Output (Acres/Hour) |
Push Mower | 20-22 | 2-3 | 0.2-0.5 |
Riding Mower | 30-60 | 4-5 | 0.5-1.5 |
Zero Turn Mower | 42-72+ | 5-8 | 1.5-4+ |
These ranges give you a better picture of how both deck size and speed influence your mowing time.

How Long Does It Take to Mow a Lawn?
Here are rough averages:
- Small to medium yard (about 1,000 square feet): 5-10 minutes with a push mower.
- One acre: about 2.5 hours with a 19” push mower, 35 minutes with a 42” riding mower, and 20 minutes with a 60” zero turn.
Of course, this depends on grass height, mower deck size, slopes, and how many obstacles you need to mow around.
Acres Per Hour
- Push mower: 0.1-0.3 acres per hour
- Walk-behind mower: 0.2-0.5 acres per hour
- Riding mower: 0.5-1.5 acres per hour
- Zero turn mower: 1.5-4 acres per hour
These are averages. For the most accurate info, check the specifications for your mower model. Kubota, for example, provides details about speed and mowing capacity in their manuals.
Tips to Mow Faster
- Keep your mower well-maintained and blades sharp.
- Don’t let the grass get too tall between cuts.
- Plan your mowing pattern to avoid backtracking.
- Clear toys, sticks, and other obstacles before mowing.
- Change your mowing direction each time to prevent ruts.
Before mowing season kicks in, read our Kubota Mower Maintenance Tips.
With the right equipment and a little planning, mowing doesn’t have to eat up your whole weekend!
Find the Right Kubota for Your Yard
Ready to cut your mowing time with the right machine? Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment carries a full lineup of Kubota mowers that handle small yards up to large properties. Visit our Angleton showroom or call our team today and we’ll help you find the Kubota that makes mowing faster, easier, and even a little more enjoyable.
Contact Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment today!
The content on this site reflects my own opinions and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer or Kubota Tractor Corporation.