What Size Lawn Edger Do You Need?

What "size" means for a lawn edger

When people ask what size lawn edger they need, they usually mean one of four things: blade diameter, cutting depth, overall weight, or how much power the tool carries. Each one changes how the edger feels and how clean the border looks.

There is no single right answer, because the best size depends on your soil, the length of your edges and how much you want to carry. The sections below take each measurement in turn so you can decide which one matters most for your yard.

Blade size: 7, 8 or 9 inches

Among the edgers on our best lawn edger page, blade diameter runs from 7 inches to 9 inches. The 7 inch WORX 20V edger sits at the small end, the 8 inch Greenworks models sit in the middle, and the worksky edger has the widest blade at 9 inches.

A bigger blade can cut a wider groove in a single pass, which helps along long, straight runs. A smaller blade is usually part of a lighter tool, which is easier to steer around flower beds and tight curves. Blade size on its own does not decide quality, so look at depth and weight too.

If you edge mostly straight sidewalks and a driveway, a 8 or 9 inch blade is a sensible fit. If your borders are short or full of curves, a 7 or 7.5 inch blade keeps the tool nimble.

Cutting depth: how deep do you need to go?

Max cutting depth sets how crisp and lasting your border looks. On our page, the four models that publish a depth range from 1.5 inches to 2.25 inches. The Greenworks 80V model reaches 2.25 inches and offers 5 depth positions, the most of any model listed.

The WORX corded edger tops out at 1.5 inches with 3 positions, and its listing names settings of 1 inch, 1-1/4 inches and 1-1/2 inches. The worksky model lists a range of 1.3 to 1.75 inches. The Greenworks 40V model does not publish a max depth, so check the maker's details if depth is your top priority.

Shallower settings work for tidy touch-ups on an edge you already cut. Deeper settings help when you are starting a fresh border or the edge has grown over. More depth positions let you adjust as the soil changes along the same run.

Match the edger to your yard

Think about how much edging you have and how you like to work, then use this checklist to narrow the choice.

• Short borders and many curves: favor a light edger. The WORX 20V weighs 7.06 lb without its battery, and the worksky weighs 7.2 lb.
• Long, straight driveway or sidewalk edges: favor a wider blade, a curb wheel and a larger battery. The Greenworks 40V comes with a 160 Wh battery and a curb wheel.
• Firm or compacted soil: favor more depth. The Greenworks 80V cuts 2.25 inches deep and has tool-free depth adjustment.
• Small yard near an outlet: a corded model such as the WORX WG896 avoids battery concerns, though it needs an extension cord.
• Already own batteries: check the platform first. The Greenworks 80V and the worksky (Milwaukee 18V compatible) both ship without a battery, and so does the WORX 20V.

Size comparison at a glance

This table pulls the published specifications from our comparison page so you can see how the sizes line up. A dash means the maker does not publish that number.

Weight, power and what is in the box

Weight runs from 7.06 lb to 14 lb on our page, and the corded WORX WG896 is the heaviest at 14 lb. Lighter tools reduce arm fatigue on long sessions. Keep in mind that several battery models list their weight without the battery, so the real working weight is higher.

Power source matters just as much as size. A corded edger runs without a battery but needs an extension cord, since the built-in cord on the WORX WG896 is only 1 ft long. Battery edgers move freely, but three of the five here ship without a battery or charger, so factor that in before you compare.

For runtime, the WORX 20V listing claims up to 2,800 ft of edging per charge. That figure comes from the maker, so treat it as a guide and not a promise for your soil and grass.

Safety before you start edging

Edgers throw dirt, small stones and grass at high speed, so wear safety glasses or goggles every time. Hearing protection is a good habit during longer jobs, along with sturdy closed-toe shoes and long pants.

Before you start, walk the edge and clear sticks, rocks and toys. Know where buried sprinkler lines, cable and irrigation heads sit, since a deep cut can damage them.

Always remove the battery or unplug the tool before changing a blade or clearing a jam. With a corded model, use an outdoor-rated extension cord, keep it behind you and avoid edging wet grass. Never reach near the blade while it is spinning.

Frequently asked questions

Does a bigger blade always give a better edge?

No. A bigger blade can cut a wider groove, but a clean edge also depends on depth, balance and how well you steer. A lighter tool with a smaller blade can outperform a heavier one on curves.

Do I need a curb wheel?

A curb wheel helps the edger track along a driveway or sidewalk edge, so it is useful on long straight runs. On our page, both Greenworks models list one. It matters less if you mostly edge garden beds.

Can I use one edger for both sidewalks and flower beds?

Often yes, if it has several depth positions and a tool-free adjustment. That lets you set a shallow cut for sidewalks and a deeper one for beds. Models with only 3 positions still cover most simple jobs.

Should I buy a battery edger or a corded one?

Choose battery if your borders are far from an outlet or you want to skip cords. Choose corded if your yard is small and near power. Check whether the battery and charger are included before you buy.