Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about acres per hour, field efficiency, our equipment calculators and the garden tools.
Acres per hour basics
How do I calculate acres per hour?
Multiply working width (ft) by speed (mph) and field efficiency, then divide by 8.25. A 10 ft implement at 5 mph and 80% covers (10 × 5 × 0.8) ÷ 8.25 = 4.85 acres per hour.
What is a good field efficiency?
70 to 80% is realistic for most work. Use 85 to 90% only for large, regular fields with little turning; 55 to 65% for small, awkward plots.
How do I convert acres per hour to hectares per hour?
Multiply by 0.4047. The calculator shows both automatically, and Metric mode accepts metres and km/h directly.
Does this work for landscaping?
Yes, the same formula applies to mowing, aerating, spreading, seeding or any job that covers ground in passes.
Equipment calculators
How many acres per hour does a zero-turn mow?
A 60 in zero-turn at 7 mph and 85% efficiency covers about 3.6 acres per hour in open conditions.
How long does it take to mow an acre with a riding mower?
With a 42 in deck at 4.5 mph and 75% efficiency (about 1.43 ac/hr), roughly 42 minutes.
How many acres can a 6 ft bush hog cut per hour?
Around 2 to 3 acres per hour in typical pasture: at 4 mph and 75% efficiency it is about 2.2 ac/hr.
What speed should I bush hog at?
Many operators run 3 to 5 mph in pasture and slower in heavy brush. Choose a speed where the cutter maintains full blade speed and leaves a clean cut.
How long does it take to till an acre?
With a 6 ft tractor rotary tiller at 2.5 mph and 75% efficiency (about 1.36 ac/hr), roughly 44 minutes. A walk-behind garden tiller can take several hours.
How fast should a field cultivator go?
Often 5 to 7 mph, depending on soil, residue and the manufacturer’s guidance.
How many acres can a sprayer cover per hour?
It depends mainly on boom width and speed: a 60 ft boom at 10 mph and 80% efficiency covers about 58 acres per hour; a 120 ft self-propelled machine can exceed 200.
How many acres will one tank cover?
Divide the tank capacity by the application rate. A 300 gal tank at 15 GPA covers 20 acres.
How many acres per hour does a combine harvest?
A 30 ft header at 4.5 mph and 75% efficiency harvests about 12 acres per hour. Larger headers and better conditions can exceed 20 acres per hour.
How do I estimate bushels per hour?
Multiply acres per hour by expected yield. 12.3 ac/hr × 180 bu/acre ≈ 2,200 bushels per hour.
How long does it take to mow 1 acre?
Roughly 3 to 4 hours with a 21 in push mower, 40 to 50 minutes with a 42 to 54 in riding mower and 15 to 25 minutes with a 60 in zero-turn.
How long does it take to mow half an acre?
About 20 to 25 minutes with a 42 in riding mower in average conditions, or 1.5 to 2 hours with a push mower.
Garden and lawn calculators
How many bags of soil make a cubic yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 27 one-cubic-foot bags, 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft, 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft or 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft.
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet: about 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft, 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How many bags of soil for a 4×8 raised bed?
A 4×8 bed 12 in deep holds 32 cu ft. That is about 32 bags of 1 cu ft, 22 bags of 1.5 cu ft or 16 bags of 2 cu ft, plus 10 to 20% if the soil is fresh and will settle.
How many gallons is an inch of water?
About 0.623 gallons per square foot, 623 gallons per 1,000 sq ft, or 27,154 gallons per acre.
How much grass seed do I need for 1,000 sq ft?
It depends on the grass: about 2 to 3 lb of Kentucky bluegrass, 6 to 10 lb of tall fescue or 1 to 2 lb of hulled Bermudagrass for a new lawn.
What do the three numbers on fertilizer mean?
They are the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P₂O₅) and potash (K₂O) by weight. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is 10% of each.
Using this website
Are the calculators free to use?
Yes. Every calculator is free, with no account or sign-up required.
How accurate are the results?
The calculators use standard geometric formulas and exact unit conversions, and each one shows its working so you can check it. Real-world results depend on accurate measurements, product sizes and conditions, so treat the numbers as a planning guide and allow a little extra where we suggest it.
Can I use metric units?
Yes. Most calculators have a US / Metric switch that converts the values you have entered. Results show both systems where it is useful.
Do you save the numbers I enter?
No. Calculations run in your browser and are not sent to us. If you use the Share button, your inputs are added to the link you share so others can see the same result.
Can I suggest a new calculator?
Please do, use the contact page and choose “Suggest a new calculator”. We add new tools regularly.
Still have a question? Contact us or try the Acres Per Hour Calculator.