How to compare fertilizer quotes

Why two quotes rarely compare directly

Three things usually differ between quotes, and each one changes the real cost:

• Grade (analysis). The three numbers on the label — N-P₂O₅-K₂O — are the percent by weight of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. A higher grade means more nutrient per ton.
• Pack or unit size. One quote may be per ton, another per bag, and a liquid per gallon. You cannot compare a per-bag price to a per-ton price directly.
• Freight terms. A price at the plant (FOB) is not what lands on your farm. Delivery can move a “cheaper” quote above a dearer one.

Step 1 — Find the nutrient you are actually paying for

Convert the grade into pounds of nutrient in the unit you are quoted. For a priced-by-the-ton product:

Example: urea is 46-0-0, so a ton holds 2,000 × 0.46 = 920 lb of N. DAP is 18-46-0, so a ton holds 920 lb of P₂O₅ and 360 lb of N.

Step 2 — Convert to cost per pound of nutrient

Do this for the nutrient the quote is really about (nitrogen for urea and UAN; phosphate for DAP and MAP). Now the quotes are on one scale.

Step 3 — Use the delivered price, not the plant price

Freight is part of the cost of getting a nutrient to your field, so compare the landed (delivered) price. If a quote is FOB the plant, add the freight per ton before you divide. See how freight changes the ranking.

Worked example

Two quotes for urea (46-0-0). The figures below are illustrative, not quoted prices.

Quote B looked cheaper at the plant, but once freight is included it is the more expensive nitrogen. Comparing on cost per pound of delivered nutrient makes that visible.

A quick checklist

• Write down each quote’s grade, unit, and whether freight is included.
• Convert every quote to cost per pound of the nutrient in question.
• Use the delivered price so freight is counted.
• Only then compare — and remember price is just one input to a good decision.

FertaFind does these conversions for you. Upload your quotes to see them side by side on one cost-based footing.