Comparison

DAP vs MAP: comparing two phosphate fertilizers

Last updated July 22, 2026

Short answer

DAP is 18-46-0 and MAP is 11-52-0. Both are widely used phosphate fertilizers, and university research reports no consistent crop-yield difference between them. Compare them on delivered cost per pound of P₂O₅, count DAP’s larger nitrogen content, and let local availability decide the rest.

What the numbers mean

The grade is the percent by weight of N-P₂O₅-K₂O. Both products supply phosphate plus some nitrogen; neither carries potassium.

Product	Grade	lb P₂O₅ / ton	lb N / ton	Reaction around the granule
DAP (diammonium phosphate)	18-46-0	920	360	Alkaline (basic) zone
MAP (monoammonium phosphate)	11-52-0	1,040	220	Acidic zone

How to compare them on price

Put both on cost per pound of phosphate, using the delivered price:

cost per lb P₂O₅ = delivered price per ton ÷ lb P₂O₅ per ton

Illustrative delivered prices — not quoted prices:

Product	Delivered price	lb P₂O₅ / ton	Cost per lb P₂O₅
DAP (18-46-0)	$760 / ton	920	$0.83
MAP (11-52-0)	$800 / ton	1,040	$0.77

Also value the nitrogen you get with each: at these grades a ton of DAP carries 360 lb of N versus 220 lb for MAP. If you would otherwise buy that nitrogen separately, credit it when you compare.

Does the pH difference matter?

MAP creates a more acidic zone around each granule and DAP a more basic one. In theory that can favor MAP on high-pH (calcareous) soils, but University of Minnesota Extension reports that agronomic and economic data show no crop-yield differences between the two, and advises choosing on nutrient content, price, and availability. For most growers, price and supply — not chemistry — decide.

What this comparison does not decide

How much phosphate to apply, whether you need it at all, and how to place it are agronomic questions that depend on a soil test and your crop. This page only helps you compare the two products on cost.

Price comparison, not agronomic advice

This page helps you compare fertilizer prices on the same basis. It does not recommend application rates or products for your field. Rates and nutrient decisions depend on a soil test, your crop and growth stage, and local guidance from a qualified agronomist. See our Terms.

Sources

Understanding phosphorus fertilizers
University of Minnesota Extension · Reviewed 2018 · Accessed July 22, 2026
Phosphorus fertilizer sources: What are the differences?
University of Minnesota Extension · October 2023 · Accessed July 22, 2026

Keep reading

Weighing DAP against MAP quotes? FertaFind compares them on delivered cost per pound of phosphate.

Analyze your quotes