Last updated: July 12, 2026
A bale of hay can weigh anywhere from about 40 pounds to more than 1,500 pounds, depending on whether it’s a small square bale, a large square bale, or a round bale. A common two-string small square bale usually weighs 40–60 pounds. Round bales vary widely by size and density; this guide covers the most common weights at a glance.
How much does a bale of hay weigh? Small two-string square bales typically weigh 40–60 pounds. Three-string square bales run 90–140 pounds. Round bales vary widely by size: a 4×5 round bale weighs roughly 500–800 pounds, a 5×5 around 880–1,200 pounds, and a 5×6 around 1,000–1,500+ pounds. Alfalfa bales tend to run heavier than grass hay at the same size.
| Bale type | Common size | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small square (2-string) | 14 × 18 × 36 in. | 40–60 lb |
| Small square (3-string) | 16 × 22 × 44 in. | 90–140 lb |
| Large square bale | 48 × 48 × 96 in. | 800–1,200+ lb |
| Round bale (small) | 4 × 5 ft. | 500–800 lb |
| Round bale (medium) | 5 × 5 ft. | 880–1,200 lb |
| Round bale (large) | 5 × 6 ft. | 1,000–1,500+ lb |
Hay Bale Weight: Quick Facts
- Small two-string square bales usually weigh 40–60 pounds for grass hay
- Three-string square bales commonly weigh 90–140 pounds
- Round bales range from roughly 500 to 1,500+ pounds depending on size
- Bale weight changes with moisture content, compression, and baler settings
- Compare prices by cost per pound, not cost per bale
About this guide: These weights are based on experience buying and managing hay for horses at home and in racing environments in Louisiana. Bale weights vary by region, equipment, and producer — use these figures as practical estimates, not exact specifications.
Table of Contents
Small Square Bale Weight
The two-string small square bale is a common choice for horse owners buying hay in manageable quantities. Standard dimensions run about 14″ × 18″ × 36″, and most weigh 40–60 pounds for grass hay. Alfalfa bales at the same size typically run heavier — 60–75 pounds — because alfalfa is denser than most grass hays.
Three-string bales are larger, typically 16″ × 22″ × 44″, and weigh 90–140 pounds. They require two people or a bale hook to move comfortably. I ran into this the first time I went to buy alfalfa on sale — the deal was only on three-string bales, and at 110 pounds each, I wasn’t going to be loading those into a truck bed alone.
After years of buying hay for horses, I’ve learned the number on the price tag rarely tells the whole story. Bale weight, hay quality, and how much waste a horse produces matter more than simply counting bales. Two loads priced identically per bale can represent very different feed value depending on what’s actually in them.
| Hay type | Two-string weight | Three-string weight |
|---|---|---|
| Grass hay (Timothy, Bermuda, Orchard) | 40–55 lb | 75–90 lb |
| Alfalfa | 60–75 lb | 110–140 lb |
| Mixed grass/alfalfa | 50–65 lb | 90–110 lb |
Round Bale Weight by Size
Round bale weight varies more than square bale weight because baler settings, compression, hay type, and moisture all interact differently at larger scale. The size designation — 4×5, 5×5, or 5×6 — refers to width by diameter in feet and is the most reliable starting point for estimating weight, though individual bales can vary significantly from the averages.
| Bale size | Grass hay | Alfalfa |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 5 ft. | 500–700 lb | 600–800 lb |
| 5 × 5 ft. | 880–1,100 lb | 1,000–1,200 lb |
| 5 × 6 ft. | 1,000–1,400 lb | 1,200–1,800+ lb |
What Affects Hay Bale Weight?
Two bales the same size can weigh meaningfully different amounts. The main variables are moisture content, hay type, and baler compression settings.
| Factor | Effect on weight | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture content | Wetter hay weighs more — but you’re buying water, not feed | Hay baled above 20% moisture can mold; ideal is 15–18% |
| Hay type | Alfalfa is denser than most grasses; legumes heavier than pure grass | Compare by weight per dollar, not bales per dollar |
| Baler compression | Tighter baling = heavier bale for same dimensions | Consistent baler settings produce more predictable weights |
| Bale size | Larger dimensions = more hay = more weight | Always ask for dimensions alongside price |
Why Hay Bale Weight Matters When Buying Horse Hay
Buying hay by the bale without knowing the weight is one of the most common ways horse owners overpay. Two farmers can both advertise hay at $8 per bale — but if one bale weighs 40 pounds and another weighs 65 pounds, the cheaper-looking option may actually cost significantly more per pound of actual feed.
Cost per pound — a quick comparison:
- $8 bale at 40 lb = $0.20/lb
- $8 bale at 55 lb = $0.15/lb
- $8 bale at 65 lb = $0.12/lb
- $10 bale at 70 lb = $0.14/lb — cheaper than the $8/40 lb bale
Always ask the weight before comparing prices. A higher sticker price per bale is often a better deal per pound of feed.
For a full breakdown of what hay actually costs and how to evaluate deals, see our guide on how much a bale of hay costs for horses.
What Hay Bale Weight Means for Horse Owners
Most horses need roughly 1.5–2% of their body weight in hay daily — for a 1,000-pound horse that’s typically 15–20 pounds per day, though this varies by workload, body condition, and whether they have access to pasture. At the lower end of that range, a 50-pound square bale lasts about three to four days per horse. Round bales fed free-choice on the ground can result in significant waste — how much depends on feeder design, weather, and herd management.
| Bale type | Weight | Daily need (1,000 lb horse) | Days per bale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small square (2-string) | 50 lb | ~15–20 lb/day | ~3–4 days |
| Three-string square | 100 lb | ~15–20 lb/day | ~5–7 days |
| Round bale (5×6) | 1,200 lb | ~15–20 lb/day | Varies by waste/feeder type |
I’ve always fed square bales to my horses at Fair Grounds and on the farm. The main reason is control — with square bales you know exactly how much each horse is getting. With a round bale in a pasture, horses sort and waste and compete for position, and it becomes difficult to monitor individual intake. For horses in training or horses with health conditions, that visibility matters. For a more detailed look at feeding schedules and amounts, see how long a bale of hay lasts for one horse.
Square Bales vs Round Bales for Horses
The practical differences between square and round bales come down to handling, waste, and how closely you need to monitor intake.
| Factor | Square bales | Round bales |
|---|---|---|
| Handling | Manageable by hand; 40–100 lb per bale | Requires tractor or equipment; 500–1,500+ lb |
| Cost per ton | Higher — more labor to produce | Lower — more efficient to produce and store |
| Waste | Low — fed in flakes, easy to control portions | Higher — 25–35% waste when fed free-choice on ground |
| Intake monitoring | Easy — you know exactly how much each horse gets | Difficult — horses sort and compete |
| Storage | Needs covered storage; stacks well | Can store outside; rounded shape sheds water |
| Best for | Individual horses, stalled horses, training environments | Pasture herds, free-choice feeding, large acreage |
FAQs: Hay Bale Weight
How much does a 2-string bale of hay weigh?
Most two-string square hay bales weigh between 40 and 60 pounds for grass hay. Alfalfa bales at the same dimensions typically run heavier — 60–75 pounds — because alfalfa is denser than most grass hays. Weights also vary by baler settings and moisture content.
How much does a round bale of hay weigh?
Round bale weight depends on size. A 4×5 round bale typically weighs 500–800 pounds. A 5×5 runs about 880–1,200 pounds. A 5×6 round bale typically weighs 1,000–1,500 pounds for grass hay, with alfalfa bales at the high end or above.
How much does a 5×6 round bale weigh?
A 5×6 round bale typically weighs 1,000–1,500 pounds for grass hay and approximately 1,200–1,800+ pounds for alfalfa. The variation reflects differences in moisture content, density, and baler compression. When buying, ask the seller for an actual weight rather than relying on size alone.
How many square bales equal one round bale?
Approximately 30 small two-string square bales (at 40 pounds each) equal one large 5×6 round bale weighing around 1,200 pounds. The exact number depends on the weight of both the square bales and the round bale — heavier square bales or lighter round bales will change this ratio.
Does hay type affect bale weight?
Yes, significantly. Alfalfa is denser than most grass hays and produces heavier bales at the same dimensions. A two-string alfalfa bale might weigh 65–75 pounds, while a grass hay bale at the same size runs 40–55 pounds. This is why comparing prices per bale without knowing the weight and hay type can be misleading.
What are the different sizes of hay bales?
Hay bales generally come in three formats: small square, large square, and round. Small square bales are a common choice for horse owners because they can be handled without equipment — typically 40–60 pounds for grass hay. Large square bales require machinery and weigh 800–1,200+ pounds. Round bales range from 4×5 bales around 500–800 pounds to 5×6 bales that can exceed 1,500 pounds.
About Miles Henry
Racehorse Owner & Author | 30+ Years in Thoroughbred Racing
Miles Henry (legal name: William Bradley) is a professional horseman based in Folsom, Louisiana. He holds Louisiana Racing License #67012 and has spent over three decades managing Thoroughbreds at premier tracks including Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs.
Expertise & Hands-On Experience: Beyond the track, Miles has decades of experience in specialized equine care, covering everything from hoof health and nutrition to training protocols for Quarter Horses, Friesians, and Paints. Every guide on Horse Racing Sense is rooted in this “boots-on-the-ground” perspective.
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