Use LMA when you need to compute leaf mass per area LMA in grams per square metre as leaf dry mass divided by leaf area converted from square centimetres. Enter Leaf area and Leaf dry mass using the definitions and units below so the result can be reproduced.

Leaf area

A finite measured or assumed value, expressed in cm².

Leaf dry mass

A finite measured or assumed value, expressed in g.

The published tool contract uses this rule: Compute leaf mass per area LMA in grams per square metre as leaf dry mass divided by leaf area converted from square centimetres.^[1]

Leaf mass per area

The calculated leaf mass per area in g/m².

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 Leaf area and Leaf dry mass 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. Leaf Area Ratio provides another view by helping you compute the leaf area ratio in square centimetres of leaf per gram of total plant dry mass.

• Specific Leaf Area

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

• Leaf Area Ratio

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

• LAI Calculator

  Compute the leaf area index as total one-sided leaf area divided by the ground surface area it covers.