Microgreens Profit & Yield Calculator
Plan your indoor urban farm with precision. This data-driven tool helps you estimate annual yields, costs, and net profits based on tray counts and crop varieties. Perfect for hobbyists and commercial growers.
Comprehensive Guide to Microgreens Profitability
Microgreens have emerged as one of the most profitable small-scale agricultural ventures in 2025. By leveraging vertical space and short growth cycles (often 7–14 days), urban farmers can generate significant revenue from small indoor setups. This calculator is designed to provide a realistic roadmap for your financial journey in microgreens farming.
How to Use the Calculator
To get the most accurate results, you must input data reflecting your local market and specific growing methods. 1. Tray Count: Start with what you can realistically manage. 10-20 trays is a common starting point for a side business. 2. Variety Selection: Radish and Broccoli are fast-growing and reliable, whereas Basil or Nasturtium offer higher margins but take longer. 3. Yield Data: We use 2024-2025 industry benchmarks. For instance, Pea shoots typically yield 14-16 oz per 1020 tray.
The Economic Formula
Our tool utilizes the following logic: $Total Revenue = (Yield \times Trays \times Cycles) \times Price$. However, the true insight lies in the Net Margin. We factor in variable costs (seeds, medium, electricity) and fixed costs (equipment depreciation) to ensure you aren't just seeing revenue, but actual take-home pay.
Strategies for Maximizing Profit
Reducing seed cost is the fastest way to increase margins. Buying in bulk (25lb bags vs 1lb bags) can reduce your seed cost per tray by up to 60%. Additionally, optimizing LED light height and duration (12-16 hours) ensures maximum yield without wasting electricity.
Understanding Market Prices
Direct-to-consumer sales at Farmers Markets typically fetch $2.50–$4.00 per oz. Wholesale to restaurants usually drops to $1.00–$2.00 per oz but offers much higher volume and consistency. Diversifying your sales channels is key to maintaining a high "Cycles per Year" count.