Estimate round or square hay bale weight and dry matter, reverse-solve density, and plan herd feed quantities and trailer payload counts.

Bale model
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Shows a weight-only bale count in the selected system.

Bale Weight Formula (Volume × Density)

The following formula is used to calculate the bale weight from bale volume and an assumed (or known) hay density.

BALEW = BL × BW × BH × ρ

Variables:

  • BALEW is the bale weight (lb), when using feet and lb/ft³
  • BL is the bale length (ft) 
  • BW is the bale width (ft) 
  • BH is the bale height (ft) 
  • ρ is the hay/bale density (lb/ft³)

To estimate hay bale weight, multiply the length, width, and height of the bale together to get volume, then multiply by the density (ρ). In the rectangular-bale tab of the calculator above, ρ is assumed to be 10.5 lb/ft³, which is a rough average and may not match all bale types, crops, moisture levels, or compaction settings.

How to Calculate Bale Weight?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Bale Weight.

  1. First, determine the bale length (ft).
  2. Next, determine the bale width (ft). 
  3. Next, determine the bale height (ft). 
  4. Next, gather the formula from above = BALEW = BL * BW * BH * ρ.
  5. Finally, calculate the Bale Weight.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above. 

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

bale length (ft) = 3

bale width (ft) = 4

bale height (ft) = 5

BALEW = BL * BW * BH * 10.5 =  ?

Solution (using ρ = 10.5 lb/ft³): BALEW = 3 × 4 × 5 × 10.5 = 630 lb.