Use this calculator to estimate your corn yield per acre using the common "yield component method" or "ear count method." This method involves taking a sample from a small area and extrapolating to a full acre.
(e.g., count ears in 17 ft 5 in of row for 30-inch rows, or 14 ft 6 in for 36-inch rows)
(e.g., count rows on 3-5 ears and average)
(e.g., count kernels in a row on 3-5 ears and average)
(Common values range from 80,000 to 95,000. 85,000 is a frequently used average.)
Enter values and click "Calculate" to see your estimated corn yield.
Understanding Corn Yield Calculation
Estimating corn yield before harvest is a valuable tool for farmers, allowing for better planning of storage, marketing, and financial projections. The "yield component method" is a widely accepted technique that relies on counting specific components of the corn plant within a small, representative area.
How the Calculator Works:
The calculator uses the following formula:
Estimated Yield (bu/acre) = (Ears per 1/1000th Acre * Avg. Kernel Rows per Ear * Avg. Kernels per Row * 1000) / Assumed Kernels per Bushel
Ears per 1/1000th Acre: This is the number of harvestable ears you count in a precisely measured 1/1000th of an acre. The length of row needed for 1/1000th acre varies by row spacing:
30-inch rows: 17 feet 5 inches
36-inch rows: 14 feet 6 inches
38-inch rows: 13 feet 9 inches
40-inch rows: 13 feet 1 inch
It's recommended to take multiple samples across the field for a more accurate average.
Average Kernel Rows per Ear: Count the number of kernel rows on several ears (e.g., 3-5) from your sample area and calculate the average.
Average Kernels per Row: Count the number of kernels in a single row on those same ears and average them. Do not count kernels on the tip that are not fully developed.
Assumed Kernels per Bushel: This factor accounts for the size and weight of individual kernels. While 85,000 kernels per bushel is a common average, this number can vary based on hybrid, growing conditions, and kernel size. Larger, heavier kernels might mean fewer kernels per bushel (e.g., 80,000), while smaller kernels might mean more (e.g., 90,000 or 95,000).
This method provides an estimate and is most accurate when corn is in the dent stage (R5) or black layer (R6). Factors like kernel fill, disease, insect damage, and harvest losses are not directly accounted for in this simple formula, but a more experienced estimator might adjust the "kernels per bushel" factor to compensate for these. Always consider this an estimate, and actual yields may vary.
function calculateCornYield() {
var earsPer1000thAcre = parseFloat(document.getElementById('earsPer1000thAcre').value);
var avgKernelRows = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgKernelRows').value);
var avgKernelsPerRow = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgKernelsPerRow').value);
var kernelsPerBushel = parseFloat(document.getElementById('kernelsPerBushel').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('cornYieldResult');
resultDiv.className = 'result'; // Reset class in case of previous error
if (isNaN(earsPer1000thAcre) || isNaN(avgKernelRows) || isNaN(avgKernelsPerRow) || isNaN(kernelsPerBushel) ||
earsPer1000thAcre < 0 || avgKernelRows < 0 || avgKernelsPerRow < 0 || kernelsPerBushel <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = '
Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields. Kernels per Bushel must be greater than zero.
';
return;
}
// Formula: Estimated Yield (bu/acre) = (Ears per 1/1000th Acre * Avg. Kernel Rows per Ear * Avg. Kernels per Row * 1000) / Assumed Kernels per Bushel
var estimatedYieldBuPerAcre = (earsPer1000thAcre * avgKernelRows * avgKernelsPerRow * 1000) / kernelsPerBushel;
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Your Estimated Corn Yield: ' + estimatedYieldBuPerAcre.toFixed(2) + ' bushels per acre';
}