Grain Conversion Calculator

Grain Conversion Calculator

Convert bushels to pounds, tons, and metric tons for common grains. Essential for agriculture, commodity trading, and farm management.

Last updated: March 2026 | By Patchworkr Team

About Bushels

A bushel is a unit of volume used in agriculture to measure dry commodities like grains and produce. Unlike liquid measurements, the weight of a bushel varies by commodity because different grains have different densities.

In the United States, a bushel is defined as 2,150.42 cubic inches (about 35.24 liters). However, for trading and standardization, each grain has an official "test weight" that defines how many pounds constitute a bushel of that specific commodity.

For example, a bushel of corn is 56 pounds, while a bushel of wheat is 60 pounds. These standard weights are used by the USDA and commodity exchanges worldwide for consistent pricing and trading.

Standard Bushel Weights

corn
56 lbs/bu
25.40117272 kg/bu
wheat
60 lbs/bu
27.2155422 kg/bu
soybeans
60 lbs/bu
27.2155422 kg/bu
oats
32 lbs/bu
14.51495584 kg/bu
barley
48 lbs/bu
21.77243376 kg/bu
sorghum
56 lbs/bu
25.40117272 kg/bu
rice
45 lbs/bu
20.41165665 kg/bu
rye
56 lbs/bu
25.40117272 kg/bu

Example Calculations

Example 1: A farmer harvests 1,000 bushels of corn.

Grain: Corn (56 lbs/bu)
Bushels: 1,000
Weight: 1,000 × 56 = 56,000 lbs (28 tons)
Metric: 56,000 × 0.45359237 = 25,401.17272 kg (25.401173 MT)

Example 2: Converting wheat for export.

Grain: Wheat (60 lbs/bu)
Bushels: 5,000
Weight: 5,000 × 60 = 300,000 lbs (150 tons)
Metric: 300,000 × 0.45359237 = 136,077.711 kg (136.077711 MT)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do different grains have different bushel weights?

Bushel weights vary because grains have different densities and kernel sizes. Oats are light and fluffy (32 lbs/bu), while wheat is denser (60 lbs/bu). These standard weights ensure fair trading.

How many bushels in a ton?

This varies by grain. For corn (56 lbs/bu), 1 ton = 2000 lbs ÷ 56 = 35.714286 bushels. For wheat (60 lbs/bu), 1 ton = 33.333333 bushels. Use the formula: tons = bushels × (lbs per bu) ÷ 2000.

Are bushel weights always exact?

The standard weights are used for trading, but actual grain weight can vary based on moisture content, variety, and growing conditions. Commercial grain is often tested for test weight to determine quality.

What is the difference between a dry bushel and a liquid bushel?

A dry bushel (used for grains) is 2,150.42 cubic inches. A liquid bushel is rarely used today. Always use dry bushel measurements for agricultural commodities.

How do I calculate grain sales revenue?

Multiply bushels by price per bushel. For example, 1,000 bushels of corn at $5.50 per bushel = $5,500. This calculator helps with the weight side for transportation and storage planning.

Does moisture content affect bushel weight?

Yes. Grain is typically sold at standard moisture levels, and grain above standard moisture can receive deductions.

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