Crop density — also called plant population — determines how many plants grow per acre based on row spacing and plant spacing. Getting this number right directly impacts yield, fertilizer rates, and overall crop performance.
This guide explains how to calculate crop density manually, shows the formula, and provides practical examples for corn, soybeans, and small plots.
Crop density is the number of plants growing in a defined area — usually expressed as plants per acre.
It depends on:
Since spacing is often measured in inches, convert inches to feet first:
Row spacing: 30 inches (2.5 feet)
Plant spacing: 6 inches (0.5 feet)
Row spacing: 15 inches (1.25 feet)
Plant spacing: 2 inches (0.17 feet)
If emergence is 90%, multiply final population by 0.90 to get actual stand.
Instead of calculating manually, use our free tool:
Open the Crop Density Calculator
Instant results. No login required.
Most modern corn hybrids perform best between 28,000 and 36,000 plants per acre depending on region and moisture availability.
Typical soybean populations range from 120,000 to 180,000 plants per acre depending on row spacing and planting date.
There are 43,560 square feet in one acre, which makes it the standard base for plant population calculations.
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