A microgreens yield calculator estimates how much seed you need and how much fresh harvest to expect based on tray size and variety. Seeding rates vary widely — sunflower needs 10× more seed per tray than broccoli — and getting this right prevents both wasted seed and disappointing harvests.
Variety
Tray Size
Number of Trays
Seed Cost (Optional)
Leave blank to skip cost estimate
Per Tray
Total for 4 Trays
Microgreens Quick Reference (per 10×20" tray)
| Variety | Seed (oz) | Days | Yield (oz) | Difficulty |
|---|
How to Use the Microgreens Yield Calculator
The microgreens yield calculator takes the guesswork out of ordering seed and planning tray production. Whether you're growing for personal use or selling to restaurants, knowing exact seed rates and expected yields helps you plan costs and harvests in advance.
Step 1: Select Your Variety
Different microgreen varieties have dramatically different seed sizes, germination rates, and yield profiles. Sunflower uses 3-4 oz of seed per standard 10×20 tray but yields 8-10 oz fresh weight. Broccoli uses only 0.5 oz of tiny seed but yields about 3-5 oz. The variety info panel shows all key growing parameters for your selection.
Step 2: Choose Tray Size
The 10×20-inch standard flat is the industry benchmark. Smaller trays scale proportionally — a 5×5 tray is 25/200 = 12.5% of the standard tray area and needs the same percentage of seed. Use the custom option for non-standard dimensions.
Step 3: Enter Number of Trays
Production planning requires knowing total seed quantities for a batch. Commercial growers typically run 10-30 trays per variety per week in a staggered system to ensure daily harvests. The total results show the seed quantity you'd need to order for your entire batch.
Step 4: Optional Cost Estimate
Enter the seed price per pound to see cost per tray and total seed cost. Seed costs are the primary variable input for microgreens production. Typical retail prices: sunflower $6-10/lb, radish $5-8/lb, pea $3-5/lb, broccoli $12-20/lb. Buying in bulk (5-25 lb bags) can reduce seed costs by 40-60% for high-volume growers.
Understanding Yield Variation
The yield ranges in this calculator reflect typical results under good conditions (proper moisture, drainage, airflow, light). Actual yields vary with: germination rate of your seed lot, growing medium (coconut coir vs. soil vs. pads), temperature and humidity, and harvest timing. Harvesting 1-2 days early reduces weight but increases shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this microgreens calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run locally in your browser.
What is a standard microgreens tray size?
The industry standard is a 10×20-inch flat tray (also called a 1020 flat or standard growing flat). This size fits standard grow light footprints and is used by most commercial microgreens growers. Smaller 5×5 or 10×10 trays are common for home growers sampling varieties.
How much seed do I need per 10×20 tray?
Seed rates vary significantly by variety: sunflower needs 3-4 oz per tray due to large seed size, radish needs 1-1.5 oz, broccoli and arugula use 0.5-0.75 oz of tiny seeds. This calculator provides accurate rates per variety so you don't over- or under-seed.
How long do microgreens take to grow?
Days to harvest vary by variety: radish is fastest at 5-7 days, sunflower and pea shoots take 8-12 days, broccoli takes 7-10 days, and basil is slowest at 14-21 days. The calculator shows expected days to harvest for each variety.
What fresh weight can I expect from a standard tray?
A standard 10×20 tray typically yields 4-12 oz of fresh microgreens depending on variety. Pea shoots yield the most (8-12 oz), sunflower yields 6-10 oz, while more delicate varieties like basil yield 2-4 oz. This calculator provides expected yield ranges by variety.
Is it worth growing microgreens for sale?
Microgreens sell for $20-40 per pound at farmers markets and restaurants. A standard 10×20 tray costs $0.50-2 in seed and yields 4-12 oz fresh. With labor included, margins are tight for small growers but improve significantly with volume. Restaurant direct sales (weekly recurring orders) are the most profitable channel.