Apple Target Crop Load

What this calculator determines

Target fruit per tree and fruit per acre needed to reach a yield goal, given average fruit weight and planting density.

Formula or calculation method

trees per acre = 43,560 ÷ (in-row spacing × row spacing) — or enter trees per acre directly

fruit per acre = target yield (lb/acre) ÷ average fruit weight (lb)

fruit per tree = fruit per acre ÷ trees per acre

Optional: bushels per acre = target yield ÷ lb per bushel; bins per acre = target yield ÷ lb per bin

Definitions of inputs

• Target yield — Desired crop weight per acre, in pounds.
• Average fruit weight — Expected weight per fruit at harvest, in pounds.
• Trees per acre — Planting density, entered directly or derived from spacing.
• Lb per bushel / lb per bin — Optional conversion factors you supply.

Worked example

Example only — not a recommendation.

Target 40,000 lb/acre, 0.33 lb average fruit, 908 trees/acre (12 × 4 ft spacing):

• Fruit per acre = 40,000 ÷ 0.33 ≈ 121,212 fruit
• Fruit per tree = 121,212 ÷ 908 ≈ 134 fruit per tree

How to interpret the result

Use the per-tree target during blossom or post-bloom thinning. Walk the block and compare cluster counts on representative trees. Adjust weak or strong trees individually — the calculator assumes uniform bearing surface.