Silage Calculator
Estimate silage tonnage in a bunker or pile. Enter the length, width and height in feet and the as-fed density to see the volume, total pounds and tons of feed.
How to estimate silage tonnage
- Enter the bunker or pile length and width in feet.
- Enter the silage height in feet.
- Enter the as-fed density, or use the 44 lb per cubic foot default.
- Read off the volume, total pounds and tons.
Examples
40 by 20 by 8 ft bunker
40 ft x 20 ft x 8 ft, 44 lb/cu ft
6400 cu ft, 281600 lb, 140.8 tons
Frequently asked questions
What density should I use for silage?
Corn silage as fed often runs about 40 to 50 pounds per cubic foot, with 44 a common planning figure. Well packed bunkers are denser, while loose piles are lighter.
Is this as-fed or dry matter tonnage?
It is as-fed tonnage at the density you enter. To get dry matter, multiply the tons by the dry matter fraction, for example 0.35 for 35 percent dry matter silage.
Why might a pile read a little high?
This uses a simple length by width by height box. Real piles taper at the sides and ends, so the true volume is usually a bit lower than the rectangular estimate.
How many pounds are in a ton here?
The tool uses the US short ton of 2000 pounds. If you work in metric tonnes of 1000 kilograms, convert the pounds figure separately.
Is this an inventory guarantee?
No. It is a planning estimate that depends heavily on packing density and shape. Weigh loads or probe the pile for a precise feed inventory.
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