Agriculture & Farming
Corn Yield Calculator
Calculate your corn yield per acre by entering row length, ear count, kernel rows, and kernels per row.
Enter values to calculate corn yield
Related to Corn Yield Calculator
The Corn Yield Calculator uses a standardized method to estimate corn yield per acre before harvest. This calculation is based on the ear count method, which involves counting the number of ears in a representative sample row, measuring kernel rows per ear, and counting kernels per row. The formula uses a standard factor of 90, which accounts for average kernel weight and other standardized measurements.
The Basic Formula
(Number of Ears × Kernel Rows per Ear × Kernels per Row) ÷ 90 = Bushels per Acre
The standard row length used is 17.4 feet, which represents 1/1000th of an acre for 30-inch row spacing. If your row length differs, the calculator automatically adjusts the calculation to maintain accuracy. The factor of 90 in the denominator accounts for the average weight of kernels and converts the count to bushels per acre.
The calculator provides an estimate of corn yield in bushels per acre. This estimate helps farmers and agronomists make informed decisions about harvest timing, storage requirements, and marketing strategies. However, it's important to understand that actual yields may vary due to several factors.
Factors Affecting Accuracy
- Field variability and growing conditions - Kernel size and weight variations - Disease or pest damage - Weather conditions during grain fill - Plant population differences across the field
For the most accurate results, take multiple samples from different parts of your field and average the results. This helps account for field variability and provides a more representative yield estimate for the entire field.
1. When is the best time to estimate corn yield?
The most accurate estimates can be made when corn reaches the R3 (milk) to R6 (physiological maturity) growth stages, typically about 20-25 days after silking. This allows for better kernel count accuracy and more reliable yield predictions.
2. How many samples should I take for accurate estimation?
For best results, take at least 5-10 samples from different areas of your field. This helps account for field variability and provides a more representative average yield estimate.
3. Why is the row length set to 17.4 feet as default?
17.4 feet of row length represents 1/1000th of an acre when corn is planted in 30-inch rows, which is a standard row spacing in corn production. This makes calculations more straightforward and provides a good representative sample size.
4. How accurate is this yield estimation method?
When properly sampled, this method typically provides estimates within 10-20% of actual yield. Accuracy improves with more samples and proper measurement technique. However, final yields can be affected by weather conditions, disease pressure, and other factors during the remainder of the growing season.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
This calculator is based on the standard corn yield estimation method developed by agricultural research institutions, particularly the work done by the University of Illinois and Iowa State University Extension Services. The formula uses the standard factor of 90, which was established through extensive research and field validation. This method has been widely adopted by the USDA and agricultural extension services across the United States. The calculation takes into account average kernel weights and standard row spacing measurements that have been verified through years of field research and yield data collection.