Field capacity calculator

Estimate area covered, working time and cost from your own inputs.

Your estimate

Enter your inputs to calculate. JavaScript must be enabled.

How the calculation works

US: acres/h = width (ft) × speed (mph) × efficiency ÷ 8.25 Metric: ha/h = width (m) × speed (km/h) × efficiency ÷ 10

In the formula, efficiency is a decimal: 80% = 0.8. Enter the percentage in the form. Working time is area divided by effective capacity. Cost is working time multiplied by your hourly rate; a blank rate means cost is not estimated. Use the effective working width, and account for each loss only once.

This is a working-time scenario, not a guaranteed schedule. Keep travel, transport and other time outside the efficiency assumption as separate allowances. The hourly rate and currency are your inputs; no exchange rates or market prices are used.

Read the related guide

Before you commit

Check what you have confirmed. Print this sheet with open questions visible.

Use effective working width
Allow for turning and refilling
Confirm a safe operating speed

Formula & reference sources

Iowa State Extension — Field capacity and machinery selection

See our methodology for unit definitions and evidence boundaries.