Our objective was to develop a Standardized Establishment Test for Seeds (SETS) for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) that is more predictive of field establishment than current tests. SETS is the number of germinated or emerged seeds per gram of a seed lot that has been subject to a standardized set of conditions. Seed number varies among seed lots and the SETS procedure enables seeding rates to be determined directly without information on seeds/g. The SETS for 19 seed lots from four switchgrass cultivars was determined using six different laboratory tests and the results were then validated in three replicated field trials. The treatments were: 1) Check: standard AOSA test with 389,000 seeds/pound; 2) AOSA test, no pre-chill; 3) AOSA test with pre-chill; 4) heat stressed at 50 C for 12 h; 5) emergence from 4 cm of sand; and 6) heat stressed at 50 C for 12 h plus emergence from 2 cm of sand. Data from the non-check tests were on a SETS/g basis. Field seeding rate of 200 pure live seed (PLS) or SETS/m² were determined for each treatment and seed lot. Seedlings per meter of row and seedling frequency of occurrence were used to measure establishment. Seed lots differed and the seed quality tests resulted in significant differences in establishment. The standard AOSA PLS method was a poor predictor of field establishment. The SETS test using emergence from 4 cm of sand was the best predictor of establishment. Stands on which planting rates were based on SETS were better predictors of establishment than the standard AOSA PLS method. SETS procedures should enable producers to more reliably establish switchgrass.