Use LAI Calculator when you need to compute the leaf area index as total one-sided leaf area divided by the ground surface area it covers. Enter Total leaf area and Ground area using the definitions and units below so the result can be reproduced.

Total leaf area

Total one-sided leaf area; must be greater than zero.

Ground area

Ground surface area; must be greater than zero.

The published tool contract uses this rule: Compute the leaf area index as total one-sided leaf area divided by the ground surface area it covers.

Leaf area index

Leaf area index in square metres of leaf per square metre of ground.

A ratio or percentage can conceal the scale of its numerator and denominator and becomes sensitive to measurement error when the denominator is small.

Retain the original Total leaf area and Ground area values and their units alongside the result. Specific Leaf Area is useful when you instead need to compute specific leaf area SLA in square centimetres per gram as one-sided leaf area divided by leaf dry mass. LMA provides another view by helping you compute leaf mass per area LMA in grams per square metre as leaf dry mass divided by leaf area converted from square centimetres.

• Specific Leaf Area

  Compute specific leaf area SLA in square centimetres per gram as one-sided leaf area divided by leaf dry mass.

• LMA

  Compute leaf mass per area LMA in grams per square metre as leaf dry mass divided by leaf area converted from square centimetres.

• Leaf Area Ratio

  Compute the leaf area ratio in square centimetres of leaf per gram of total plant dry mass.