Ethanol Yield From Crop Calculator

Work out ethanol yield from crop instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Ethanol Yield From Crop Calculator

Fermentation of glucose to ethanol has a theoretical Gay-Lussac yield of 0.511 kg ethanol per kg sugar. Multiplying fermentable content by that stoichiometric factor and by process efficiency, then dividing by ethanol density of 0.789 kg/L, gives litres. Maize typically yields 380-420 L/t and sugarcane molasses 260-290 L/t.

Formula

Ethanol yield

Ethanol (kg) = fermentable mass x 0.511 x process efficiency; litres = kg / 0.789

Worked example

With the default values below, Ethanol Yield From Crop Calculator returns Ethanol Yield of 37,045.9. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Feedstock Quantityminimum 0.01 tonnes: 100 tonnes
Fermentable Sugar Or Starchaccepts 1–100 %: 65 %
Fermentation And Distillation Efficiencyaccepts 10–100 %: 88 %
Ethanol Priceminimum 0 per L: 65 per L

Results

Ethanol Yield: 37,045.9
Ethanol Per Tonne Of Feedstock: 370.46
Fermentable Material: 65,000.0
Ethanol Revenue: $2,407,982.26

Step by step

1Values used
2Ethanol yield
3Ethanol Yield= 37,045.9
4Ethanol Per Tonne Of Feedstock= 370.46
5Fermentable Material= 65,000.0
6Ethanol Revenue= 2,407,982.26

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Ethanol production and denaturing are licensed activities in most jurisdictions, and ethanol vapour is highly flammable. Obtain the required approvals and follow fire safety codes.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Ethanol production and denaturing are licensed activities in most jurisdictions, and ethanol vapour is highly flammable. Obtain the required approvals and follow fire safety codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the 0.511 factor come from?

One mole of glucose (180 g) yields two moles of ethanol (92 g) and two of carbon dioxide, so 92/180 = 0.511 kg of ethanol per kg of sugar. The carbon dioxide is the unavoidable mass loss.

Why does starch give more than its weight in sugar?

Hydrolysing starch adds water, so 1 kg of starch yields about 1.11 kg of fermentable glucose. Adjust the fermentable content upward for starchy feedstocks.