Predict soybean bushels per acre from in-field pod counts.
Count plants in a measured row length, average pods per plant and seeds per pod across several plants, and enter seed size. The calculator converts these into bushels per acre at standard 13% moisture and tonnes per hectare.
A grower expected 60 bu/ac from a beautiful soybean canopy. The pod-count method suggested 48. Lodging and late weed pressure reduced pods per plant by a third — the estimate caught it before the combine revealed the loss.
✓ Expert Reviewed: This calculator and its content have been reviewed by agricultural experts. Formulas are based on standard extension service recommendations. For site-specific advice, consult your local agronomist.
Enter the required input values in the form fields above. Each field includes default values that you can adjust to match your specific situation. Click the Calculate button (or simply change any input) to see instant results. Use the Metric/Imperial toggle to switch between unit systems. Results are displayed in the results panel and can be used for farm planning and decision-making.
This calculator is designed to help farmers, agronomists, and agricultural students make quick, accurate calculations for farm management. It uses standard agricultural formulas based on extension service recommendations and scientific literature. Whether you are planning inputs, estimating yields, or managing finances, this tool provides reliable estimates to support your decisions.
Sample area (sq ft) = (row spacing in ÷ 12) × sampled length. Plants per acre = plants counted ÷ sample area × 43,560. Total seeds per acre = plants/acre × pods/plant × seeds/pod. Seeds per bushel = seeds/lb × 60 lb. Yield (bu/ac) = seeds per acre ÷ seeds per bushel. Moisture correction = (100 − actual %) ÷ (100 − 13).
15-inch rows, 10 ft sampled: 20 plants, 30 pods/plant, 2.5 seeds/pod, 2,500 seeds/lb. Plants/acre ≈ 193,000. Seeds/acre ≈ 14.5 million. Seeds/bu ≈ 150,000. Yield ≈ 96 bu/ac @ 13% ≈ 6.46 t/ha.
Common mistakes: counting pods on the most beautiful plants only; sampling before pods fully fill (wait until R6–R7); using a fixed seeds/lb without checking variety; ignoring late-season pest or disease loss. Sample across the whole field, including weaker areas.
Between growth stages R6 and R7, when pods are fully filled but before significant lodging or shattering. Estimating too early overstates yield because later stress can drop pods.
Select 10 random plants in the sample area, count all pods on each (including small ones), and divide by 10. A pod with at least one fully developed seed counts. Average seeds per pod on 10 random pods.
Soybean seed size varies by variety and environment, typically 2,500–3,500 seeds/lb. Check the seed tag or use a seed counter for the most accurate value; 2,500 is a reasonable default for large-seeded varieties.
Soybeans are legally traded at 60 lb per bushel in the US. Multiplying seeds/lb by 60 gives seeds per bushel, which converts total seed count into saleable bushels.
It usually predicts within ±15% of actual yield because pod set responds to late-season weather. Use it to compare management practices and plan storage, and confirm with the final weigh price.