Mower Matcher
Answer five quick questions about your property and budget, plus an optional one about towing. The matcher suggests a mower type, the deck width range to look for and the buying guides to read next. It runs in your browser and stores nothing.
Quick reference by lawn size
The same starting point as a table, for when you just want the short answer:
| Lawn size | Usual mower type | Deck width | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 acre | Self-propelled walk-behind, robotic mower or small rider | 21 to 42 in | Best Robotic Mower for Large Lawns: 4 Wire-Free Picks Best Riding Mower for 1 Acre: 4 Picks by Deck Size |
| 1 to 2 acres | Lawn tractor, battery rider or residential zero-turn | 42 to 48 in | Best Riding Mower for 1 Acre: 4 Picks by Deck Size Best Zero-Turn Mower for 2 Acres: 3 Picks by Deck Size Best Electric Riding Mower: 4 Picks by Rated Acres |
| 2 to 5 acres | Residential zero-turn, lawn tractor or garden tractor | 48 to 54 in | Best Zero-Turn Mower for 2 Acres: 3 Picks by Deck Size |
| 5 to 10 acres | Large-deck or commercial-grade zero-turn, garden tractor | 54 to 60 in | Browse the category |
| More than 10 acres | Commercial zero-turn, or a garden or compact tractor with a tow-behind finish or rough-cut mower | 60 to 72 in | Best Walk-Behind Brush Mower: 4 Picks for Rough Ground |
How the matcher decides
- Slope comes first. Mower types whose typical slope limits do not cover your steepest section are ruled out. Over 15 degrees, only a walk-behind remains, mowed across the slope.
- Acreage. Each type has a range of lawn sizes it suits; a type outside your range loses points.
- Power. If you prefer gas or battery, types that do not come in that power lose points.
- Towing. If you want to pull a cart, aerator or spreader, tractors gain points, garden tractors most.
- Obstacles and budget. Zero-turns gain points for lots of trees and beds; types that usually cost more than your budget lose points and are flagged.
The deck width range comes from your acreage and the mower type. Check it against the Mowing Time Calculator with your own lawn.
Never mow a slope steeper than the maximum your manual lists, and mow up and down slopes rather than across. Use the ROPS and seat belt where the machine has them (follow the manual on when a folding ROPS may be lowered), never carry passengers, keep children and pets out of the yard while you mow, and disengage the blades before reversing. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See CPSC riding lawnmower safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mower is best for 1 acre?
A lawn tractor with a 42 in deck, a battery rider or a small zero-turn all suit about an acre. With lots of trees and flat ground, a zero-turn is faster; with slopes or towing, a lawn tractor is the steadier choice.
What size mower do I need for 5 acres?
Most people mowing 5 acres look at a 54 to 60 in zero-turn or a garden tractor with a 54 in deck. See what size riding mower do I need.
Is a robotic mower practical for more than an acre?
Some models are rated for 1 to 2 acres or more, using a boundary wire, RTK GPS or cameras. Check the rated area, the slope percentage and how it handles narrow passages between zones.
Should I buy a zero-turn if I have hills?
Only if your steepest section is well inside the slope rating in the manual. Zero-turns steer and brake through their rear wheels and can slide on slopes. Measure with the Slope Calculator first.