Lawn Mower Blade Height Chart(For ALL Models)

Maintaining the right lawn mower blade height is crucial for healthy grass and efficient mowing. While most mowers offer adjustable heights, the actual blade height can vary by brand and model. Understanding your mower’s settings and how they translate to real blade heights helps you mow properly, reduce turf stress, and improve lawn appearance.

Lawn Mower Blade Height Chart

Brand	Model	Recommended Blade Height (inches)
Ariens	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Bad Boy	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Bobcat	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Bolens	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Craftsman	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Cub Cadet	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Dixie Chopper	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Dixon	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Ego	LM2156SP Power+ 21″ Select Cut XP	2.5 – 4.0
Exmark	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Ferris	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Grasshopper	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Gravely	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Greenworks	25322, 25022	2.0 – 3.5
Honda	HRX Series	2.0 – 4.0
Husqvarna	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Hustler	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
John Deere	HD45, HD75 48″ Commercial Walk-Behind	2.5 – 4.0
John Deere	ZTrak Z994R	2.5 – 4.0
Kubota	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Makita	XML08PT1 36V 21″ Self-Propelled	2.0 – 3.5
Murray	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Ryobi	40V HP 21″ Self-Propelled	2.0 – 3.5
Scag	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Simplicity	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Snapper	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Stihl	RMA 510 V	1.0 – 4.0
Toro	Super Recycler	2.5 – 4.25 (4.5 beyond setting)
Toro	TimeMaster	2.5 – 4.25 (4.5 beyond setting)
Toro	TimeCutter (42″ & 54″ Decks)	2.5 – 4.0
Troy-Bilt	All Models	2.5 – 3.5
Worx	Landroid Robotic	1.2 – 2.4
Yard Machines	All Models	2.5 – 3.5

Note: Blade height settings vary based on grass type, lawn conditions, and regional climate. For most lawns, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at once to prevent stress.

Why Blade Height Matters

The height at which you mow your lawn determines the grass’s ability to photosynthesize, resist drought, and crowd out weeds. Mowing too low (called “scalping”) weakens the root system, while mowing too high may allow weed invasion. The ideal height depends on your grass type:

Grass Type	Ideal Mowing Height
Kentucky Bluegrass	2.5–3.5 inches
Tall Fescue	3.0–4.0 inches
Bermuda Grass	1.0–2.0 inches
Zoysia Grass	1.0–2.5 inches
St. Augustine	2.5–4.0 inches

How to Measure Your Mower’s Blade Height

Park on level ground.
Lower the deck to the setting you want to measure.
Use a ruler or deck height gauge to measure the distance from the ground to the bottom cutting edge of the blade (not the deck itself).
Repeat for all settings and write them down.

FAQs

What is the best height for a lawn mower blade?

The best height for a lawn mower blade depends on your grass type. For most cool-season grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, 2.5 to 3.5 inches is ideal. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda can be cut lower, around 1.0 to 2.0 inches. Adjust seasonally, raise the blade during hot or dry periods to reduce stress on the lawn.

What is the proper height to mow your grass?

The proper mowing height varies by grass type but typically falls between 2.0 to 4.0 inches. Always follow the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the total grass blade height in a single mow. This helps keep the roots strong and reduces scalping.

What height should a lawn mower cut?

Most residential mowers can cut grass from about 1.0 inch up to 4.0 inches, depending on the brand and model. The right cut height should match your lawn’s grass type and growing conditions. Higher settings promote deeper roots and drought resistance, while lower settings are better for dense, fast-growing grasses.

What is the 1/3 rule for lawn?

The 1/3 rule means you should never remove more than one-third of the grass blade’s total height at once. For example, if your lawn is 3 inches tall, only cut 1 inch. This rule helps minimize shock to the grass, promotes healthier root growth, and prevents weed invasion.

How to set mower blade height?

To set your mower’s blade height:

Park on level ground.
Use the adjustment lever or knob to select your desired setting.
Refer to your owner’s manual or measure from the ground to the blade tip to know the exact height.
For consistent results, ensure the deck is level front-to-back and side-to-side.

How tall is too tall for a lawn mower?

Most push mowers struggle to cut grass taller than 6–8 inches without bogging down or clogging. If your grass is very tall, mow in two passes, first at the highest setting, then lower it gradually. Letting grass grow too tall can also invite pests and create uneven patches after mowing.

What happens if you cut grass too short?

Cutting grass too short, also known as scalping, can severely weaken the lawn. It exposes soil, increases water evaporation, encourages weed growth, and reduces the grass’s ability to photosynthesize. Over time, this leads to poor root development and bare patches.

Final Thoughts

Proper blade height is a small adjustment that makes a big difference in lawn health and appearance. While brands and models vary, the principles remain the same: match the blade height to your grass type, follow the 1/3 rule, and measure your own mower’s height settings if the manual doesn’t provide exact numbers.