Corn Yield Calculator — Estimated Bushels per Acre

Formula

How this is calculated

The yield-component method estimates corn grain yield before harvest by counting the three multiplicative inputs that drive production: plant population (plants per acre), the ear factor (average ears per plant), and the kernel count per ear (rows × kernels per row). Multiplying these gives total kernels per acre, which is then divided by approximately 90 000 — the conventional estimate for the number of kernels in one 56-pound bushel of shelled corn at 15.5 % moisture. Kernel weight varies by hybrid and growing season, so 90 000 is an estimate; actual weights can range from 75 000 to 100 000 kernels per bushel. The resulting figure is typically within 10–20 % of the actual harvested yield.

Count ears and kernels in representative parts of the field and average several samples for accuracy. Barren plants (ears per plant < 1) and aborted tip kernels will reduce yields below the theoretical maximum. The calculator applies the same yield-per-acre figure to the whole field area to give total bushels and weight.

The chart plots estimated yield against plant population while holding your ear count and kernel count constant — useful for comparing plant densities for your hybrid. Modern corn hybrids achieve highest economic yield at 30 000–36 000 plants per acre depending on hybrid and soil type.