Harvest Loss Calculator

Calculate combine harvest losses in bushels per acre from kernel counts at the header, thresher, and separator. Estimate dollar losses.

Header Loss

kernels/sq ft

Threshing Loss

kernels/sq ft

Separator/Cleaning Loss

kernels/sq ft

Grain Type

Market Price

$/bu

Tab to move between fields

Total Loss

1.91 bu/acre

Dollar Loss$10.48

Header Loss1.09 bu/acre

Threshing Loss0.54 bu/acre

Separator Loss0.27 bu/acre

% of Typical Yield Lost1.06%

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the crop type and harvested yield in bushels per acre.
Set the combine header loss from field counts (beans per sq ft or kernels per sq ft).
Input the harvest loss percentage or use field-count method outputs.
Review total bushels lost per acre and dollar loss at current market price.
Use the output to justify combine adjustments and reduce harvest loss below 1 bu/acre.

How the result changes with Header Loss

Header Loss: Kernels per square foot found on the ground at the header/gathering unit. Count in a 1 sq ft area.
Threshing Loss: Kernels per square foot behind the combine from the threshing/rotor area.
Separator/Cleaning Loss: Kernels per square foot from the cleaning shoe/separator area.
Grain Type: Select grain: 1 = Corn (~80,000 kernels/bu), 2 = Soybean (~130,000 seeds/bu), 3 = Wheat (~540,000 kernels/bu).
Market Price: Current or expected selling price per bushel to calculate dollar losses.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Header Loss = 2, Threshing Loss = 1, Separator/Cleaning Loss = 0.5, Grain Type = 1 = 5 input(s) provided
Calculate Total Loss
Total Loss
1.91 = 1.91
Calculate Dollar Loss
Dollar Loss
10.48 = $10.48
Calculate Header Loss
Header Loss
1.09 = 1.09