Realized Heritability Calculator
Estimate realized heritability from the observed selection response and the selection differential.
Realized heritability h² = R ÷ S — the response you actually got divided by the selection differential you applied. It's the practical, after-the-fact estimate of heritability for a trait in your population, and predicts how fast further selection will work.
Indicative planning figures based on published research averages. Local soil tests, varieties and weather change actual requirements — confirm with your agronomist or extension officer.
Livestock breeders and farm managers use the free Realized Heritability Calculator for an accurate answer in seconds — no formulas to remember, works offline at the farm.
About Realized Heritability Calculator
Realized heritability is heritability measured from what actually happened: you selected parents that were S units above average, and the offspring came out R units above the previous generation — the ratio R ÷ S is the realized heritability. It's the most practical estimate for a working breeder, because it reflects your own population and conditions rather than a textbook figure, and it predicts how productive continued selection will be.
How to use Realized Heritability Calculator
- 1Enter your herd/flock figures into the inputs.
- 2Read the headline result and the supporting breakdown.
- 3Apply the guidance in the note to your breeding decisions.
Why use Realized Heritability Calculator?
- ✓Uses the standard, citable animal-breeding formula
- ✓Clear inputs with sensible defaults
- ✓Instant result with the working shown
- ✓Free, fully in-browser and private
Frequently asked questions
How is realized heritability calculated?+
Divide the observed response to selection (how much the offspring mean improved) by the selection differential (how superior the selected parents were): h² = R ÷ S. It's measured after a generation of selection rather than estimated from relatives.
What does a realized heritability value tell me?+
It estimates how much of the selection differential is passed on. Around 0.1–0.2 is low (slow gain, e.g. fertility traits), 0.2–0.4 moderate (growth), and above 0.4 high (e.g. carcass and milk-fat traits) — guiding how hard selection will pay.
Is this tool free and private?+
Yes — free, no sign-up, and all calculation runs in your browser, so it works offline at the farm and your data never leaves the device.
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