Fruit Thinning / Crop Load Calculator

Q: "Should I use weight or diameter?"

"Weight input is more direct. Diameter input is useful when you only know fruit size by eye or by caliper."

Q: "How accurate is diameter input?"

"It is an estimate based on the fruit profile. Cultivar and field conditions can change it, so calibrate it with sample fruit if you can."

Q: "Can I use it for young trees?"

"Yes, but the tree-age factor reduces the load on young trees. Always check branch structure and vigor before you decide the final target."

Q: "Can I use orchard total yield?"

"Yes. In orchard total mode, enter tree count and the tool converts the total target into a per-tree target."

Estimate how many fruits to leave per tree from tree age, vigor, target fruit size, and target yield.

Use either weight or diameter input so the tool works across orchards and crops.

Calculate crop load with four core inputs Switch between weight and diameter input Convert orchard totals into per-tree values Copy results or share the URL

About this estimate

This tool is for planning only. Adjust the result to cultivar, crop load, region, and orchard practice.
Diameter-to-weight conversion is approximate. Use sample fruit to calibrate when you can.

How to use

Enter tree age and vigor.
Enter target yield per tree, or switch to orchard total mode and convert from orchard yield plus tree count.
Enter fruit size by weight or diameter. Choose a fruit profile only when you use diameter input.
Check the recommended fruit count, then use copy result or share URL if needed.

Sample cases

8-year trees, medium vigor, weight input

Input

Tree age 8 years, vigor 3 (medium), target yield 36 kg/tree, target fruit weight 180 g

Output

Recommended fruits to leave 200 fruit/tree, base fruit count 200 fruit/tree, age factor 1.00, vigor factor 1.00

4-year trees, strong vigor, diameter input

Input

Tree age 4 years, vigor 4 (strong), apple/pear profile, target yield 34 kg/tree, diameter 75 mm

Output

Estimated fruit weight 170 g, base fruit count 200 fruit/tree, recommended fruits to leave 176 fruit/tree

Glossary

Crop load

The number of fruits carried by a tree. Higher load means less resource per fruit.

Thinning

Removing some fruit so the remaining fruit can size and finish better.

Vigor

The strength of shoot growth and the overall energy of the tree.

Base fruit count

The fruit count before age and vigor factors are applied.

Formulas

Target yield per tree = target yield ÷ tree count (orchard total mode only)
Estimated fruit weight = target fruit weight, or a cubic estimate from reference diameter and reference weight
Base fruit count = target yield per tree ÷ estimated fruit weight
Recommended fruits to leave = base fruit count × age factor × vigor factor

Frequently asked questions

Should I use weight or diameter?

Weight input is more direct. Diameter input is useful when you only know fruit size by eye or by caliper.

How accurate is diameter input?

It is an estimate based on the fruit profile. Cultivar and field conditions can change it, so calibrate it with sample fruit if you can.

Can I use it for young trees?

Yes, but the tree-age factor reduces the load on young trees. Always check branch structure and vigor before you decide the final target.

Can I use orchard total yield?

Yes. In orchard total mode, enter tree count and the tool converts the total target into a per-tree target.

Notes

Diameter-based results can change with cultivar and harvest timing.
Age and vigor factors are planning coefficients, not a substitute for local standards.
When you enter orchard total yield, double-check the tree count.