Corn Yield Estimation

How to Estimate Corn Yield Using CalculatedAg.com

Accurately estimating corn yield helps farmers and agricultural specialists make informed decisions about corn harvest, grain profit, and field management. Follow this step-by-step guide to calculate your estimated corn yield using CalculatedAg.com's corn crop yield calculator using your field corn.

1. Enter Row Width
   Input the row width in inches. This determines the feet of a row that will need to be counted in the yield estimation. The standard method assumes:
   • 30-inch row width → 17.5 feet to count
   • 20-inch row width → 26.14 feet to count
   • 15-inch row width → 34.85 feet to count
   The correct feet-to-count value will update automatically.


2. Count the Number of Ears in the Sample Area
   Enter the total number of corn ears in the sample row length determined in Step 1. This provides the ear population per row, a key factor in estimating yield.


3. Count Kernels from Three Sample Ears
   Select three random ears from the sample row and count the total kernels on each ear. Calculate this using: (Kernels around x Kernels length)
   The tool will then average these three numbers to determine the average kernel count per ear in the field.


4. Select Kernel Size
   Choose a kernel size category from the dropdown menu. Kernel size affects the estimated kernels per bushel, influencing final yield calculations:
   • Small kernels → 80,000 kernels per bushel
   • Medium kernels → 90,000 kernels per bushel (average size)
   • Large kernels → 100,000 kernels per bushel
   Tip: Crop genetics, environmental stress, and nutrient availability can influence kernel size. If you are unsure of the correct size, it is best to choose “medium.”


5. Calculate Corn Yield Estimate
   Click the “Calculate Yield Estimate” button to calculate the estimated bushels per acre using the inputs provided.
   
   The inputs will be run through this formula:
   (Ear Count x Average Kernel Count) ÷ Kernel Size Factor x 1,000
   This method is widely used for pre-harvest planning in corn production and farm management.

For the most accurate results:
Sample multiple areas of your field and average the data across different locations.

I have linked the sources I used to create this tool below; feel free to check them for any inaccuracies.