Seed Cost Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your field size in acres, the seeding rate in seeds per acre, and the number of seeds per unit (bag) from your supplier. Then input the price per unit. The calculator shows how many units to purchase and your total seed investment broken down by acre.

Why This Matters

Seed is a major input cost that varies widely by crop, trait package, and supplier. Accurately estimating seed expenses before purchasing lets you compare options, take advantage of early-order discounts, and build a realistic planting budget.

Methodology

Total seeds = Seeding rate × Acres. Units needed = Total seeds / Seeds per unit, rounded up. Total cost = Units × Price per unit. Cost per acre = Total cost / Acres. Rounding up to whole units reflects actual purchasing, so the true cost per acre accounts for partial-unit purchases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not accounting for different unit sizes between suppliers — corn is typically 80,000 seeds per unit, soybeans 140,000.
• Forgetting to add seed treatment costs, which are often $5-15 per unit on top of the base price.
• Ordering exact quantities without a buffer for replanting — keep 5-10% extra seed on hand.
• Comparing seed prices without considering yield performance data, which affects return on investment.