Grain Flow Rate Calculator
Corn (56 lbs/bu)
Soybeans (60 lbs/bu)
Wheat (60 lbs/bu)
Oats (32 lbs/bu)
Barley (48 lbs/bu)
Sorghum/Milo (56 lbs/bu)
Custom Test Weight
Pounds (lbs)
Bushels
Kilograms (kg)
Seconds
Minutes
Hours
Calculation Results
Bushels per Hour (BPH):
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Tons per Hour (TPH):
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Pounds per Minute:
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Estimated 1000 Bu Transfer Time:
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Understanding Grain Flow Rates
Calculating the flow rate of grain through augers, conveyors, dryers, or gravity wagons is essential for optimizing harvest logistics and storage management. Knowing your exact Bushels Per Hour (BPH) helps in matching combine capacity with transport vehicles and preventing bottlenecks at the dryer.
How to Calculate Flow Rate
The most accurate method to determine flow rate is the "Catch and Weigh" method, or by timing a known quantity. The formula relies on normalizing your measurements into a standard unit of time (usually hours) and weight (pounds or bushels).
The Basic Formula:
Flow Rate (BPH) = (Total Bushels Moved / Seconds Taken) × 3600
If you are measuring by weight (lbs), you must divide by the grain's test weight:
Flow Rate (BPH) = ((Lbs Moved / Test Weight) / Seconds Taken) × 3600
Standard Grain Weights
This calculator uses standard commodity weights for conversion. However, moisture content and variety can alter actual test weights.
| Commodity | Standard Weight (Lbs/Bu) |
|---|---|
| Corn (Shelled) | 56 lbs |
| Soybeans | 60 lbs |
| Wheat | 60 lbs |
| Oats | 32 lbs |
| Barley | 48 lbs |
| Grain Sorghum (Milo) | 56 lbs |
Optimization Tips
- Auger Angle: As the incline angle of an auger increases, the flow rate decreases significantly. A vertical auger moves significantly less grain than one at 45 degrees.
- Moisture Content: Wet grain flows slower than dry grain due to increased friction and density changes (e.g., wet corn vs. dry corn).
- RPM Speed: Ensure your PTO or electric motor is running at the manufacturer's rated RPM for maximum efficiency.