Estimate seed cotton yield and lint yield from plant population, bolls per plant, boll weight, lint turnout, field area, crop factors, and harvest loss.
Important: This is an agricultural estimate. Real cotton yield depends on sampling quality, variety, soil, water, pests, disease pressure, weather, lint turnout, and harvest efficiency.
The Cotton Yield Calculator estimates yield from plant population, boll number, seed cotton weight per boll, and several agronomic adjustment factors.
This version separates seed cotton yield from lint yield. That matters because harvested seed cotton includes lint and seed, while lint yield is the fiber portion usually compared in bales.
Cotton Yield Formula
First, estimate seed cotton yield:
Seed cotton yield = Plant population × Bolls per plant × Seed cotton weight per boll
Then apply crop condition factors:
Adjusted seed cotton yield = Base yield × Variety × Soil × Fertility × Water × Pest × Climate
A common U.S. cotton bale weight used for lint comparison is 480 lb.
Bales per acre = Lint yield lb/acre ÷ 480
Example Calculation
Field area = 1 acre
Plant population = 35,000 plants/acre
Bolls per plant = 22
Seed cotton weight per boll = 5.5 g
Lint turnout = 38%
Harvest loss = 5%
Convert boll weight:
5.5 g = 0.01213 lb
Base seed cotton yield:
35,000 × 22 × 0.01213 ≈ 9,340 lb/acre seed cotton
Lint yield is then estimated using lint turnout and harvest loss.
Important Notes
Sampling note: Cotton yield estimates can change strongly across a field. Use representative sampling zones and local agronomic guidance for real decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is seed cotton?
Seed cotton is harvested cotton before ginning. It includes both lint and seed.
What is lint turnout?
Lint turnout is the percentage of seed cotton weight that becomes lint after ginning.
What is a cotton bale?
In many U.S. yield comparisons, one bale of cotton lint is treated as 480 lb.
Is this calculator exact?
No. It is a planning estimate. Final yield depends on field conditions, sampling, gin turnout, harvest loss, moisture, and crop quality.