A crop yield calculator estimates your expected harvest based on planted acreage, crop type, and growing conditions. Whether you are planning a corn field, soybean rotation, or wheat planting, this tool converts national average yields into bushels, pounds, and tons for your specific operation. Adjust conditions like irrigation, fertilization, and pest pressure to get a more accurate projection with estimated revenue at current market prices.
Yield & Revenue Estimator
Total area planted with this crop
Pre-filled with approximate average — edit to match your contract or local price
Select all that apply — each condition adjusts the base yield
US Average Crop Yields Reference
| Crop | Avg Yield/Acre | Weight/Bushel | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 175 bu | 56 lbs | $4.50/bu |
| Soybeans | 50 bu | 60 lbs | $12.00/bu |
| Wheat (Winter) | 55 bu | 60 lbs | $6.50/bu |
| Wheat (Spring) | 45 bu | 60 lbs | $7.00/bu |
| Rice | 7,500 lbs | N/A | $0.15/lb |
| Cotton | 850 lbs lint | N/A | $0.80/lb |
| Oats | 75 bu | 32 lbs | $4.00/bu |
| Barley | 70 bu | 48 lbs | $5.50/bu |
| Sorghum | 70 bu | 56 lbs | $5.00/bu |
| Alfalfa Hay | 3.5 tons | N/A | $200/ton |
| Potatoes | 40,000 lbs | N/A | $0.10/lb |
| Tomatoes | 35,000 lbs | N/A | $0.40/lb |
How to Use the Crop Yield Calculator
Planning a successful farming season starts with accurate yield projections. Whether you are budgeting for seed and fertilizer, negotiating crop insurance, or estimating revenue for a bank loan, knowing your expected harvest output is essential. This crop yield calculator combines USDA national average yields with customizable growing conditions to estimate total production in bushels, pounds, and tons — plus gross revenue at your market price.
Step 1: Select Your Crop
Choose from 12 major US crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, cotton, oats, barley, sorghum, alfalfa hay, potatoes, and tomatoes. Each crop has a built-in national average yield per acre based on USDA data. The calculator automatically adjusts units — grain crops display in bushels, while crops like rice, cotton, and potatoes display in pounds or tons.
Step 2: Enter Your Acreage
Type the total acres you plan to plant with the selected crop. This can range from a fraction of an acre for a small market garden up to thousands of acres for commercial operations. The calculator multiplies the per-acre yield by your total planted area to determine total production.
Step 3: Set Market Price
The tool pre-fills an approximate market price for each crop. For more accurate revenue projections, replace this with your actual forward contract price, local elevator bid, or expected selling price. The crop harvest calculator uses this price to estimate gross revenue.
Step 4: Adjust Growing Conditions
Real-world yields vary based on management practices and environmental factors. Check all conditions that apply to your operation: irrigation boosts yields by 15%, while dryland farming in below-average rainfall reduces yields by 20%. Premium seed varieties add 5%, optimal fertilization adds 10%, and late planting reduces output by 10%. Pest pressure can reduce yields by 10% (moderate) to 25% (heavy). These adjustments are cumulative, so select all that apply.
Step 5: Review Your Estimates
Click "Calculate" to see your results. The top summary cards show total yield, total weight in pounds and tons, and gross revenue. The detailed breakdown shows per-acre yield, condition adjustments, and revenue per acre. Use these numbers for crop planning, insurance applications, or comparing profitability across different crops and field conditions.
Tips for Better Estimates
National averages are a starting point — your actual yields depend on local soil, climate, seed variety, and management. Track your field-by-field yields over time to build a more accurate baseline. Use your county average yield from USDA NASS data instead of national averages when available. For crop insurance purposes, consult your actual production history (APH) rather than these estimates.
FAQ
Is this crop yield calculator free to use?
Yes, the crop yield calculator is completely free with no signup, no account, and no hidden fees. All calculations run locally in your browser so your farm data stays private on your device.
Is my farm data safe when I use this tool?
Absolutely. Every calculation runs locally in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No acreage figures, crop selections, or financial data are ever sent to a server or stored anywhere.
How accurate are the yield estimates?
Yield estimates are based on USDA national average yields for each crop. Actual yields vary significantly by region, soil quality, weather patterns, seed variety, and management practices. Use these estimates for planning purposes and adjust based on your local conditions and historical yields.
What growing conditions affect crop yield the most?
Irrigation is typically the biggest factor, boosting yields by 15% or more over dryland farming. Optimal fertilization adds around 10%, while premium seed varieties contribute roughly 5%. Negative factors like late planting, drought, and pest pressure can reduce yields by 10-25% depending on severity.
Are the crop prices current?
Prices shown are approximate averages based on recent USDA market data. Actual commodity prices fluctuate daily based on futures markets, local basis, and seasonal demand. You can edit the price field for any crop to enter your actual contract price or current local market price.
How do I convert between bushels, pounds, and tons?
Conversion factors vary by crop. For example, a bushel of corn weighs 56 pounds while a bushel of soybeans weighs 60 pounds. This calculator automatically converts between bushels, pounds, and tons using the standard USDA test weights for each crop type.
Can I use this for large-scale commercial farming?
Yes, the calculator works for any acreage from a small hobby farm to thousands of acres. Enter your total planted acres and select conditions that match your operation. For commercial planning, adjust the default prices to reflect your forward contracts or local elevator bids.
What crops does this calculator support?
The calculator includes 12 major US crops: corn, soybeans, winter wheat, spring wheat, rice, cotton, oats, barley, sorghum, alfalfa hay, potatoes, and tomatoes. Each crop uses USDA national average yields as the baseline, which you can adjust with condition modifiers.