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Seeding Rate Calculator

Calculate seeding rate per acre based on seed specifications and planting requirements

Seeding Rate Calculation
Enter planting parameters to calculate optimal seeding rate and planting cost

Recommended Range: 70,000-85,000

Including seeding, emergence, pest and disease losses

Please enter crop details and planting parameters to calculate seeding rate

Seeding rate formula
Seeding rate adjusts target population for germination rate, expected planting loss, and seed weight.
Seeds needed = target plant population / (germination rate × (1 - planting loss))
Total seeds = seeds per area × land area
Seed weight = total seeds / seeds per kg
Planting cost = seed weight × seed price
germination rate
Expected viable seed percentage
Use the seed lot label or a recent germination test where possible.
planting loss
Expected establishment loss
Accounts for skips, pests, crusting, planter error, and early mortality.
seeds per kg
Seed count by weight
Varies by crop, variety, seed size, and treatment.
How this seeding rate calculator works
Use this page to translate a target stand into seed quantity and estimated planting cost.
  1. Select a crop and enter land area, target population, germination rate, and expected planting loss.
  2. Adjust the target population upward to account for seed that may not become established plants.
  3. Estimate seed weight from seed count per unit weight.
  4. Estimate seed cost when a seed price is entered.
  5. Compare the output with crop-specific guidance and field conditions.

Important notes

  • Seed size and germination vary by lot, so label data is better than generic assumptions.
  • Cold soil, crusting, pests, planter calibration, and residue can increase establishment loss.
  • Final stand counts should be checked after emergence and used to refine future rates.
Seeding rate examples
These examples show how germination and field loss affect seed quantity.

Corn stand target

A grower wants a specific final population but expects some planting loss.

  • Target population: 80,000 plants/ha
  • Germination: 90%
  • Planting loss: 10%

Seeds needed are higher than the final target population.

Seeding rate should plan for establishment, not just desired final stand.

Wheat high-density planting

Small seed size and high target population make seed count important.

  • Crop: wheat
  • Large field area
  • Seed weight entered

Total seed weight and estimated cost scale quickly with area.

Seed weight assumptions should come from the actual seed lot when possible.

Poor field conditions

Expected crusting or pest pressure increases establishment loss.

  • Planting loss increased from 10% to 18%

Recommended seed quantity increases.

Higher seeding rates can compensate for risk, but field preparation may be more effective.

Seeding rate FAQ
Common questions about germination, planting loss, and final stand.