Skip to main content
Calcimator

Bird Feeder Calculator

Seed volume and refill frequency from feeder size and bird traffic.

Inputs

Results

Seed Capacity (lbs)

7.46

Refill Every (days)

14.9

Feeder Volume (in³)339.3
Daily Consumption (lbs)0.5
Cost per Refill ($)$11.20
Monthly Cost ($)$22.50
Annual Cost ($)$270.00
Annual Seed (lbs)182.5
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Measure your feeder's internal diameter in inches and the height of the seed chamber.
  2. Estimate daily bird visits — suburban yards average 15-30, wooded areas 30-80.
  3. Enter your seed cost per pound and the seed density for your seed type (sunflower ~0.022 lb/in³).
  4. Review seed capacity in lbs and the refill interval in days to plan your stocking schedule.
  5. Compare monthly and annual costs to budget for the season.

How the result changes with Feeder Diameter (in)

Feeder Diameter (in)Seed Capacity (lbs)Refill Every (days)
3.32.264.5
9.0516.9834
1653.08106.2
22100.36200.7

What each input means

Feeder Diameter (in)
Internal diameter of cylindrical feeder tube or width of tray.
Feeder Height (in)
Height of the seed-holding chamber.
Bird Visits per Day
Estimated daily bird visits. Suburban yard: 15-30, wooded area: 30-80.
Seed Cost ($/lb)
Cost per pound of bird seed. Black-oil sunflower ~$1.50, nyjer ~$2.50.
Seed Density (lb/in³)
Sunflower: 0.022, millet: 0.028, nyjer: 0.024 lb per cubic inch.

What each result means

Feeder Volume (in³)
Internal volume of the feeder chamber.
Seed Capacity (lbs)
How much seed the feeder holds when full.
Daily Consumption (lbs)
Estimated seed consumed per day at given visit rate.
Refill Every (days)
How many days between refills.
Cost per Refill ($)
Cost to fill the feeder once.
Monthly Cost ($)
Estimated monthly seed expense.
Annual Cost ($)
Projected yearly seed cost.
Annual Seed (lbs)
Total pounds of seed consumed per year.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Feeder Diameter (in) = 6, Feeder Height (in) = 12, Bird Visits per Day = 20, Seed Cost ($/lb) = 1.5 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Seed Capacity
    Seed Capacity = volumeCuIn * seedDensityLbPerCuIn
    7.46 = 7.46
  3. Calculate Refill Every
    Refill Every = dailyConsumptionLbs > 0
    14.9 = 14.9
  4. Calculate Feeder Volume
    Feeder Volume = π * radius * radius * feederHeightIn
    339.3 = 339.3
  5. Calculate Daily Consumption
    Daily Consumption = birdVisitsPerDay * avgFeedPerVisitLbs
    0.5 = 0.5

Engine last updated . Checked against 1 independently-derived test — how we verify calculators.

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Terrarium

Snake Feeding Schedule Calculator

Prey size and frequency from snake weight and species.

Construction Electrical

Feeder Sizing Calculator

Feeder conductor size from load amps and distance, with voltage drop check per NEC 215.2.

Pet Care

Cat Food Calculator

Calculate how much to feed your cat daily based on weight, age, activity level, and food type.

Pet Care

Dog Food Calculator

Calculate how much to feed your dog based on weight, age, and activity level. Includes daily calorie needs and monthly food costs.

Pet Care

Pet Insurance Cost Calculator

Estimate monthly pet insurance premiums based on pet type, age, breed, coverage level, and deductible.

More in Family, Parenting & Pets.