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Mushroom Log Calculator — Plug Count, Spawn & Yield

Plan your mushroom log operation from inoculation to harvest

Total Plugs

250

Annual Yield

25 lbs

Lifetime

100 lbs

Value

$1,200

Units

Total Plugs Needed

250

25 per log \u00D7 10 logs

Spawn Bags

3

Wax Needed

7.8 lbs

Yield & Timeline

First FlushDec 2026
Annual Yield25 lbs
Lifetime Yield100 lbs (4 yrs)
Lifetime Value$1,200

What You'll Need

Root Mushroom Farm Shiitake Grow Kit

Root Mushroom Farm Shiitake Grow Kit

$20-$304.4
View on Amazon
TonGass 60-Pack Autoclavable Mushroom Grow Bags with Filter

TonGass 60-Pack Autoclavable Mushroom Grow Bags with Filter

$18-$254.4
View on Amazon
Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner

$80-$1104.7
View on Amazon
CHRYZTAL Stainless Steel Garden Hand Tool Set 4pc

CHRYZTAL Stainless Steel Garden Hand Tool Set 4pc

$20-$304.5
View on Amazon
KINGLAKE Plastic Plant Labels T-Type 100pcs

KINGLAKE Plastic Plant Labels T-Type 100pcs

$6-$104.5
View on Amazon
Root Mushroom Farm Shiitake Grow Kit

Root Mushroom Farm Shiitake Grow Kit

$20-$304.4
View on Amazon
TonGass 60-Pack Autoclavable Mushroom Grow Bags with Filter

TonGass 60-Pack Autoclavable Mushroom Grow Bags with Filter

$18-$254.4
View on Amazon
Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner

$80-$1104.7
View on Amazon
CHRYZTAL Stainless Steel Garden Hand Tool Set 4pc

CHRYZTAL Stainless Steel Garden Hand Tool Set 4pc

$20-$304.5
View on Amazon
KINGLAKE Plastic Plant Labels T-Type 100pcs

KINGLAKE Plastic Plant Labels T-Type 100pcs

$6-$104.5
View on Amazon

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Example Calculations

110 Shiitake Logs (40" × 5")

Inputs

SpeciesShiitake
Log Count10
Length40 in
Diameter5 in

Result

Total Plugs250
Per Log25
Spawn Bags3
Annual Yield7.5 lbs

Plugs/log = 30 × (40/48) × (5/5) = 25. Total = 25 × 10 = 250. Bags = ceil(250/100) = 3.

25 Oyster Logs (36" x 6")

Inputs

SpeciesOyster
Log Count5
Length36 in
Diameter6 in

Result

Total Plugs113
Per Log23
Spawn Bags2
Annual Yield3.0 lbs

Plugs/log = 25 x (36/48) x (6/5) = 22.5 rounded to 23. Total = 23 x 5 = 113.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How many plugs do I need per mushroom log?

A standard 4-foot shiitake log (5 inch diameter) needs about 30 plug spawn. Scale up for larger logs: a 3-foot log needs about 25 plugs, and a 5-foot log needs about 38. Drill holes every 4–6 inches in a diamond pattern.

  • 4 ft log, 5 in diameter: ~30 plugs (shiitake)
  • Larger diameter = more plugs per length
  • Spacing: 4–6 inches between holes, staggered rows
  • Row spacing: 2–3 inches apart around circumference
  • 100 plugs per spawn bag is standard packaging
SpeciesPlugs/4ft LogFirst FlushProductive Years
Shiitake309 months4 years
Oyster256 months3 years
Lion's Mane3012 months3 years
Reishi2512 months5 years
Q

What wood is best for mushroom logs?

Hardwoods are required — oak is the gold standard for shiitake. Maple, beech, sweetgum, and ironwood also work well. Never use softwoods (pine, cedar) or black walnut. Cut logs 2–6 weeks before inoculation.

  • Best: white oak, red oak (slow decomposition)
  • Good: maple, beech, sweetgum, ironwood
  • Acceptable: birch, poplar (decompose faster)
  • Never: pine, cedar, black walnut, treated wood
  • Cut logs when dormant, 2–6 weeks before inoculation
Q

How much do mushroom logs produce?

A shiitake log produces about 3 lbs of mushrooms over its 4-year productive life (0.75 lbs/year). At $12/lb retail, each log generates about $36 in value. Ten logs produce 7.5 lbs/year worth $90.

  • Shiitake: ~3 lbs total over 4 years (~$36/log)
  • Oyster: ~2 lbs total over 3 years (~$20/log)
  • Lion's Mane: ~2.5 lbs over 3 years (~$40/log)
  • Maitake: ~4 lbs over 5 years (~$60/log)
  • Fruiting occurs 2–4 times per year (spring and fall)
Q

How do I seal plugs with wax?

After inserting plug spawn, seal each hole with melted cheese wax or beeswax. Use about 0.5 oz of wax per plug. A small crock pot keeps wax at the right temperature. Seal immediately after drilling and plugging.

  • Use cheese wax or beeswax (not paraffin)
  • About 0.5 oz wax per plug hole
  • Melt to 300°F, apply with dauber or small brush
  • Cover the plug completely to seal out contaminants
  • Also seal any bark damage or cut ends of small logs

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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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