🌱 Cannabis Yield Estimator
Predict your harvest weight based on grow method, space, lights, and experience level
Estimate Your Yield
Total canopy area in square feet (e.g., 4x4 = 16)
Number of plants in your grow space
Total wattage of all lights in your grow
Your Estimated Yield
Retail Value Comparison
Tips to Improve Your Yield
⚠️ Disclaimer
Yield estimates are approximations based on industry averages. Actual results vary significantly based on genetics, nutrients, environment control, plant training, pest management, and many other factors. Use this as a planning tool, not a guarantee.
THE MORE YOU KNOW: Cannabis Yields
What Affects Cannabis Yield?
Cannabis yield is influenced by a combination of factors: light intensity and quality, growing medium, nutrients, environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, CO2), plant genetics, training techniques, pot size, and grower experience. No single factor determines yield on its own -- it is the combination of all these elements working together that produces optimal harvests.
Indoor vs. Outdoor vs. Greenhouse
Indoor grows offer maximum environmental control but are limited by light intensity and space. Outdoor grows benefit from free sunlight and unlimited root space, potentially producing much larger plants, but are subject to weather and pests. Greenhouses combine the best of both worlds with natural light supplementation and environmental protection, often achieving excellent yields with lower energy costs.
The Role of Lighting
Light is the primary energy source for plant growth and the single biggest factor in indoor yield. LED lights are the most efficient, converting more electricity into usable plant light (PAR). HPS lights are proven performers with high output but generate more heat. CMH lights offer a good spectrum balance. Fluorescent lights are best for seedlings and clones but produce significantly less yield in flower due to lower intensity.
Realistic Expectations for New Growers
First-time growers should expect yields on the lower end of estimates. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering, incorrect pH, nutrient burn, light stress, and harvesting too early. Each grow cycle is a learning experience, and yields typically improve significantly with each successive grow as you dial in your environment and techniques. Do not be discouraged by a small first harvest -- it is part of the journey.
HOW TO USE THIS Calculator
- Select your grow method: Indoor, Outdoor, or Greenhouse
- Enter your total grow area in square feet (length x width)
- Enter the number of plants you plan to grow
- For indoor and greenhouse grows, select your light type and enter total wattage
- Choose your growing medium (soil, coco coir, hydroponics, or aeroponics)
- Select your strain type and experience level for more accurate estimates
- Click "Estimate Yield" to see your projected harvest range
- Review the improvement tips for ways to maximize your yield
CALC'S FAQ HOTLINE
How accurate is the cannabis yield estimator?
This calculator provides a realistic range based on industry averages and multipliers for your specific setup. Actual yields vary based on genetics, nutrients, environment control, training techniques, and grower skill. Use the estimate as a baseline expectation, not a guarantee.
What is a good yield per plant indoors?
A good indoor yield ranges from 100-200 grams (3.5-7 oz) per plant for photoperiod strains with proper lighting and care. Beginners typically get 50-100g per plant, while experienced growers using advanced techniques like SCROG or mainlining can exceed 200g per plant.
How much does a cannabis plant yield outdoors?
Outdoor cannabis plants can yield significantly more than indoor plants due to unlimited root space and natural sunlight. A single outdoor plant can produce 200-500 grams (7-17 oz) or more, with large sativa plants sometimes exceeding 1000 grams in ideal conditions.
Does light wattage directly affect yield?
Yes, light intensity is one of the biggest factors in indoor yield. A common benchmark is 0.5-1.0 grams per watt for HPS lights and 1.0-1.5 grams per watt for quality LEDs. However, more wattage has diminishing returns without proper environment control, CO2 supplementation, and nutrient management.
Why do autoflowers yield less than photoperiod strains?
Autoflowers have a fixed life cycle (typically 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest) and cannot be kept in vegetative growth to increase plant size. Photoperiod strains can be vegged as long as needed, allowing larger plants with more bud sites. However, autoflowers allow more harvests per year and are easier for beginners.
How can I increase my cannabis yield?
Key ways to increase yield include: upgrading to LED or HPS lighting, switching to hydroponics or coco coir, using plant training techniques (LST, SCROG, topping), optimizing VPD and environment, supplementing CO2, choosing high-yielding genetics, and ensuring proper nutrient management throughout the grow cycle.