Cost Per Acre Calculator
Work out what each field operation really costs per acre. Enter the hourly cost of your machine and operator, plus width, speed and efficiency, to get cost per acre, hours and the total job cost.
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How to use the Cost Per Acre Calculator
- Pick a machine type to load typical width, speed and efficiency.
- Enter the field size.
- Enter your total hourly cost for the tractor, implement, fuel and labour.
- Press Calculate to see cost per acre and total cost.
How to calculate cost per acre
Machinery costs are usually known per hour, but budgets and custom rates are quoted per acre. Acres per hour links the two.
A 24 ft field cultivator at 6 mph and 85% covers 14.84 acres per hour. If tractor, implement, fuel and operator together cost an example $150 per hour, the cost is 150 ÷ 14.84 = $10.11 per acre. A 160 acre field costs about $1,618.
What to include in your hourly cost
- Fuel and lubricants for the tractor or self-propelled machine.
- Repairs and maintenance for both tractor and implement.
- Ownership costs: depreciation, interest, insurance and housing.
- Labour: the operator’s wage and benefits.
- Overheads: a share of trucks, tools and admin.
Owning vs hiring a contractor
Compare your own cost per acre with local custom rates. Many extension services publish custom rate surveys that show typical charges for tillage, planting, spraying and harvest. If a contractor’s rate is below your own cost per acre, hiring may make sense, as long as timeliness doesn’t suffer.
FAQ
Cost Per Acre Calculator: frequently asked questions
How do you calculate equipment cost per acre?
Divide the total hourly cost of the machine and operator by the acres it covers per hour. The calculator does both steps.
What is a good field efficiency for cost estimates?
Use 75 to 85% for most field work. Lower efficiency means fewer acres per hour and a higher cost per acre.
Why is my cost per acre higher on small fields?
Small and irregular fields mean more turning and lower efficiency, so the machine covers fewer acres for every hour you pay for.
Can I compare this with custom farming rates?
Yes. Compare your cost per acre with local custom rate surveys to decide whether to own equipment or hire a contractor.
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