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Pearson's square: feed mix

How much of each ingredient to mix so the feed has the protein you want.

Pre-sizing and estimating tool: the results do not replace a design, calculation, or report signed by a qualified professional, nor verification against the applicable standards.

Preliminary estimateRevision 12/11/2026
Ingredients (crude protein)
Feed

Ingredient A is the higher-protein one (e.g., soybean meal) and B the lower one (e.g., corn). The desired protein must fall between the two. Use recent batch analyses.

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—Amount of ingredient A
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Amount of each ingredient

Kilos of A and B for the total feed you entered.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Blend protein by the proportion of A

Resulting crude protein for each portion of ingredient A.

Tap the chart to see the values.

What if the data changes?

Drag the controls to simulate data different from what you entered (from 30% less to 30% more) and watch the result change instantly.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Mix for different desired protein levels

Amount of each ingredient for other protein targets, with the same ingredients and the same total feed.

Step by step with your numbers

The calculation done in steps, with the values you entered.

    The calculation memo gathers this page's inputs, results, equations, assumptions, and references, with fields for project, responsible person, and review. The full report also includes the charts and interpretations, in color. In the print window, choose Save as PDF.

    How to use

    Enter the crude protein of the two ingredients, the one with the higher and the one with the lower content, the desired protein in the feed, and the total quantity. The calculator shows how much of each ingredient to mix.

    Hypothetical example

    Ingredient A (soybean meal) with 45% protein; ingredient B (corn) with 8.5%; target of 16% protein; feed of 1,000 kg.

    Parts of A = 16 − 8.5 = 7.5; parts of B = 45 − 16 = 29. Total parts = 36.5.

    A = 1,000 × 7.5 ÷ 36.5 = 205 kg of soybean meal. B = 795 kg of corn. Check: 205 × 0.45 + 795 × 0.085 = 160 kg of protein, or 16%.

    Precautions

    • The square only handles two ingredients. For more than two, combine them in steps or use a formulation spreadsheet.
    • Checks only crude protein. Energy, amino acids, fibre and minerals need to be calculated separately.
    • Ingredient protein varies by batch; use a recent analysis.

    Method, assumptions, and references

    Equations used

    Parts of ingredient A = desired protein − protein of B
    Parts of ingredient B = protein of A − desired protein
    Amount of each = total × parts of the ingredient ÷ (parts of A + parts of B)

    Assumptions and limits

    • Only two ingredients; for more, combine them in two steps or use linear programming.
    • Considers only crude protein; energy, amino acids and fibre need to be checked separately.
    • Protein contents of ingredients should come from recent analysis; they vary by batch.

    Standards and technical documents

    • NRC. Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th ed. Washington: National Academies Press, 2012.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use it for more than two ingredients?

    Not directly. Mix two ingredients at a time or use a formulation spreadsheet with optimization.

    Does the result guarantee a balanced feed?

    No. It only ensures the protein. Minerals, energy, and amino acids need other calculations.

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