How Many Seeds Are in 10 Grams? A Comprehensive Guide

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

The question of how many seeds are in 10 grams depends entirely on the seed type, as evidenced by the vast differences in size; a single broad bean seed can weigh more than a gram, while tiny lettuce seeds number over 600 per gram. The total count can therefore range from a mere handful to many thousands, showcasing the wide variation among different plant species.

Quick Summary

The number of seeds in 10 grams varies dramatically by species, ranging from a few large seeds to tens of thousands of smaller ones due to differences in size, weight, and density.

Key Points

Variety is Key: The number of seeds in 10 grams varies dramatically, from under 100 for large seeds like corn and peas to over 100,000 for tiny seeds like marjoram and celery.
Thousand Seed Weight (TSW): This is a standardized measure used by agronomists to determine the weight of 1,000 seeds, helping to accurately calculate seeding rates.
DIY Calculation: You can estimate the seed count in 10 grams for your specific seed batch by weighing a 100-seed sample and performing a simple multiplication.
Practical Applications: Knowing the seed count per gram helps with precise planting, ordering the right amount of seeds, and evaluating seed lot quality and vigor.
Factors Influencing Variation: Besides species, differences in seed count can be caused by cultivar variations, environmental conditions during growth, and overall seed lot quality.

Understanding Seed Count by Weight

When planning a garden, accurately estimating seed quantity is crucial for optimal planting density and avoiding waste. However, unlike counting individual seeds, weighing them provides a reliable method for larger volumes. This is particularly important for commercial farming and larger gardening projects, where manually counting is impractical. The most common method used by agronomists and seed suppliers is the Thousand Seed Weight (TSW) or Thousand Grain Weight (TGW) test, which measures the weight of 1,000 seeds to standardize seed rate calculations. Seed counts for 10 grams are derived directly from the average seed count per single gram, which varies significantly by plant species.

The Science Behind Seed Weight Variations

Seed size is the most influential factor determining how many seeds are in a given weight. A variety of factors contribute to this variability, even within the same plant species. Genetic differences between cultivars can lead to notable variations, as can environmental factors during seed production, such as nutrient availability and weather conditions. Therefore, published seed-per-gram figures, including those in the table below, should be treated as approximations. The weight of a seed is also a good indicator of its genetic potential and vigor, with higher-quality seed lots often having more uniform weights.

Comparison of Seed Counts in 10 Grams

To illustrate the wide range of possibilities, here is a comparison table showing the approximate number of seeds in 10 grams for various common plants, derived from average seeds-per-gram data.


Plant Type	Seeds per Gram (Approximate)	Seeds in 10 Grams (Approximate)
Basil	600–650	6,000–6,500
Carrot	600–1,200	6,000–12,000
Celery	2,000–2,500	20,000–25,000
Corn	8–10	80–100
Cucumber	30–45	300–450
Eggplant	200–250	2,000–2,500
Kale	250–300	2,500–3,000
Lettuce	600–1,200	6,000–12,000
Marjoram	12,000	120,000
Okra	15–25	150–250
Oregano	9,500	95,000
Peas	4–5	40–50
Radish	90–140	900–1,400
Spinach	70–80	700–800
Tomato	250–380	2,500–3,800

How to Calculate Seed Count by Weight

If you need a more precise count for a specific batch of seeds, you can perform your own test using a digital kitchen scale. This is especially useful for seed saving and when working with fresh seed lots that may differ from published averages.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Count a Sample: Carefully count out a known number of seeds. For accuracy, a sample of 100 seeds is a good starting point. For very small seeds, you might need to use a magnifying glass.
Weigh the Sample: Place the counted seeds on a digital scale that can measure in grams, ideally with at least one decimal place of precision. Record the weight.
Calculate Seeds per Gram: Divide the number of seeds you counted by their total weight in grams. For example, if 100 seeds weigh 0.2 grams, the seeds per gram would be 100 / 0.2 = 500.
Determine Seeds in 10 Grams: Multiply the result by 10 to find the approximate number of seeds in 10 grams for your specific seed batch. Using the example above, 500 seeds/gram * 10 grams = 5,000 seeds.

Practical Applications for Gardeners

Understanding seed weight and count has several practical benefits for gardeners and small-scale farmers. It allows for more precise planting, helping to achieve a desired plant population in a specific area.

Optimal Seeding Rates: For some crops, knowing the seed count allows for calculations that determine the perfect seeding rate per square meter, leading to healthier plants and better yields.
Ordering Seeds: Knowing the approximate count helps you order the right quantity of seeds, so you don't overbuy and risk poor germination from old seeds in future years.
Evaluating Seed Quality: Higher-quality seeds are often more uniform in size and weight. A test that shows large weight variations might indicate a less vigorous seed lot.

Conclusion

The number of seeds in 10 grams is not a fixed number but a variable figure dependent on the seed's species and specific cultivar. While a standard gardening packet may contain a few large seeds, the same weight of a different species could hold thousands of tiny ones. By understanding the principles of seed weight and learning how to perform simple calculations, gardeners can move beyond guesswork and achieve more precise and successful planting results. This knowledge is not only a matter of scientific curiosity but a practical tool for maximizing the potential of every seed. For more information on calculating seed rates and germination factors, resources from university extensions like Montana State University can provide valuable guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

You cannot provide a single, exact number because the size and weight of seeds vary widely depending on the plant species. A 10-gram weight could contain a few dozen large seeds, like corn, or tens of thousands of tiny ones, like celery or marjoram.

Thousand Seed Weight (TSW) is a standard measure used to determine the weight of 1,000 seeds. By knowing this value, you can easily calculate the number of seeds per gram, which in turn helps to estimate the count for 10 grams.

For very small seeds like marjoram, there are approximately 12,000 seeds per gram, meaning 10 grams could contain up to 120,000 seeds. Celery and some carrot varieties also have similarly high counts.

For large seeds like peas, with only 4-5 seeds per gram, a 10-gram sample would contain only 40 to 50 seeds. Similarly, corn yields only 80-100 seeds in 10 grams.

Yes, seed quality can affect the count. A batch of lower-quality seeds might contain smaller, less vigorous seeds or inert material, altering the average weight and therefore the count per 10 grams.

For the most accurate count, use a digital scale with precision measurement. Count a representative sample of 100 seeds, weigh it, and use a simple calculation to find the number of seeds per gram for that specific batch.

It is important for planning purposes. It allows gardeners to calculate precise seeding rates, which helps optimize plant density, maximize yields, and prevent overcrowding.