Grain Conversion
Convert grain quantities between bushels, pounds, kilograms, and metric tons for corn, wheat, soybeans, barley, oats, and other commodities. Free online grain unit conversion tool with USDA standard test weights, interactive charts, and breakdowns for farmers, traders, and agronomists.
About This Calculator
The Grain Conversion Calculator is an essential tool for farmers, grain traders, agronomists, and agricultural professionals who need to convert grain quantities between bushels, pounds, kilograms, and metric tons. It supports 26 agricultural commodities including corn, wheat, soybeans, barley, oats, rye, rice, sorghum, sunflower seed, flaxseed, millet, and many more.
Each grain type has a standard test weight defined by the USDA in Agricultural Handbook 697, which represents the official weight per bushel used for trading and grading. For example, a bushel of shelled corn weighs 56 pounds, while a bushel of wheat or soybeans weighs 60 pounds. The calculator uses these standard conversion factors to accurately convert between volume-based bushels and mass-based units (pounds, kilograms, metric tons). Simply select your grain from the dropdown, enter the quantity, choose the unit, and click Convert to see the equivalent amounts in all supported units.
Regional Notes
United States: Grain trading in the US primarily uses bushels as the standard unit, with test weights defined by the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). Common test weights: corn 56 lbs/bu, wheat and soybeans 60 lbs/bu, barley 48 lbs/bu, oats 32 lbs/bu.
India: Indian agriculture uses metric units (kilograms, quintals, and metric tons) for grain trading and storage. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state procurement agencies measure grain in metric tons. Bushels are used primarily for export trade with North American markets. One metric ton equals 10 quintals.
United Kingdom: UK agriculture uses metric tonnes for grain trading, though imperial bushels are still referenced for historical purposes. The UK bushel is approximately 3.2% larger than the US bushel. Most modern UK grain transactions are conducted in metric tonnes with moisture-adjusted weights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the grain conversion calculator work?
Select your grain type from the dropdown list of 26 agricultural commodities with their USDA-defined test weights. Enter the amount in bushels, pounds, kilograms, or metric tons. The calculator converts your input to all other units using the grain standard test weight in pounds per bushel. For example, corn at 56 lbs/bu, wheat and soybeans at 60 lbs/bu, and barley at 48 lbs/bu.
How much does a bushel of corn weigh?
A bushel of shelled corn weighs 56 pounds (25.4 kg) according to USDA standards. Corn on the ear (husked) weighs 70 pounds per bushel. This weight is used to convert between bushel volume and mass for corn trading, storage, and transport calculations.
How many bushels are in a metric ton of wheat?
Since one bushel of wheat weighs 60 pounds (27.2 kg) and one metric ton equals 2,204.62 pounds, one metric ton of wheat equals approximately 36.74 bushels. Use the grain conversion calculator to get precise figures for any grain type.
What is the difference between a US bushel and a UK bushel?
A US bushel equals 2,150.42 cubic inches (35,245.38 cubic centimeters), while a UK bushel equals approximately 2,219.36 cubic inches (36,368.72 cubic centimeters). The UK bushel is about 3.2% larger. This calculator uses US bushels as defined by the USDA, which is the standard for agricultural commodity trading in North America.
What test weight does the calculator use for different grains?
The calculator uses USDA Agricultural Handbook 697 standard test weights: Corn 56 lbs/bu, Wheat 60 lbs/bu, Soybeans 60 lbs/bu, Barley 48 lbs/bu, Oats 32 lbs/bu, Rye 56 lbs/bu, Rice 45 lbs/bu, Sorghum 56 lbs/bu, Sunflower Seed 28 lbs/bu, and others. These weights reflect the average density of each commodity determined by official USDA grading procedures.
Is the grain conversion calculator free?
Yes, this grain unit conversion calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. It supports 26 different agricultural commodities and converts between bushels, pounds, kilograms, and metric tons using official USDA test weights.
Can I convert grain units for Indian agriculture?
Yes, while Indian agriculture typically uses metric units (kilograms and metric tons), the calculator supports conversion to bushels and pounds for international trade. Indian farmers and traders dealing with export markets often need bushel-to-metric-ton conversions for commodities like wheat, rice, and soybeans.
How accurate is the grain conversion calculator?
The calculator uses official USDA standard test weights from Agricultural Handbook 697. Results are accurate to within standard industry tolerances. Actual grain density may vary slightly due to moisture content, variety, and growing conditions. For official grading, consult USDA or local agricultural authorities.