Winrock's CDM A/R Sample Plot Calculator Spreadsheet Tool

Walker, S.M., Pearson, T., Brown, S. 2007, 2014 Version

This spreadsheet tool calculates the number of sample plots needed to estimate terrestrial carbon stocks, based on
targeted precision. It can be used for both baseline and monitoring measurements. This tool is appropriate for use i
afforestation/reforestation projects with defined strata and stratum areas.
This tool also assists the user to estimate the financial and time resources that will be required to complete the field
measurements.
This file applies the equations in: CDM A/R Methodological Tool "Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements
http://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/ARmethodologies/tools/ar-am-tool-03-v2.1.0.pdf
Please follow the steps delineated in this tool when using this spreadsheet tool

This spreadsheet tool can be used as a companion to:

Sourcebook for Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry Proje
Please reference the above manual for methods to obtain information required for calculatio
this spreadsheet tool. This manual along with others can be found at: www.winrock.org

If you have obtained this file 'unlocked', e.g. cells other than red bordered cells can be selected, do not use this file as changes
may have inadvertently occurred. The most recent version of this file can be downloaded for free at:
http://www.winrock.org/resources/winrock-sample-plot-calculator

Submit questions or comments to [email protected]

a. Pearson, T., Walker, S.M., Brown, S., 2006 Sourcebook for Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry Projects.
BioCarbonFund, Winrock International
eet Tool

al carbon stocks, based on a specified

tool is appropriate for use in

quired to complete the field

ample plots for measurements within A/R CDM project activities" Version 2.1.0

and Forestry Projects a

required for calculations in
www.winrock.org

do not use this file as changes in formulas

at:

Forestry Projects.
This spreadsheet tool was designed to be used in conjuction with the CDM A/R Tool "Calculation of the number of sam
Version 02.1.0 . The information in this document must be followed exactly for proper implementation of this spreadshe

This spreadsheet tool is designed to facilitate the calculation of number of sample plots required for estimation of biom
project scenarios of an A/R CDM activity. By inputing the correct information in required cells, this tool will calculate the
precision to estimate biomass stocks in a given project based on the CDM A/R Methodological Tool Version 02.1.0.

The following describes preconditions, general information, and instructions for using the tool. The text is paraphrased
number of sample plots for measurements within a A/R CDM project activities" Version 02.1.0

Assumptions presented in the Tool:

"(a) Approximate value of the area of each stratum within the project boundary is known
(b) Approximate value of the variance of biomass stocks in each stratum is known from a preliminary sample, existing
similar area.
(c) The project area is stratified into one or more strata." 1

General Information:

There are two main factors that determine the number of sample plots required per strata in a project: (1) targete
estimated.

To address these factors, this tool requires that users select a target precision level and have stratified the projec
these inputs, the tool calculates the required number of plots based on a given targeted precision.

Within this tool, variability of biomass stock is expressed as the standard deviation of biomass stock in the stratum
stock in each stratum must either known from existing data applicable to the project area, existing data for a simil
an expert judgement.

Note: All parameters used in the calculations are considered fixed constraints (e.g. biomass expansion factors, ro
1
CDM A/R Methodological Tool "Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements within a A/R CDM p

Instructions: Follow the steps listed below and only input required data into the white cells with red bord
cells are locked and cannot be selected.

The CDM tool presents various equations that should be used when specific conditions apply. By entering the required
appropriate equations and presents the number of plots required, given the conditions in the project area.

Step 1: Enter information into the white/red border cells in the 'REQUIRED EFFOR AND CONFIDENCE LEVEL' box.

Step 2: Enter strata names, area, mean biomass stocks, standard deviation, and the planned plot size for collecting b
rows blank.

Step 3: The spreasheet tool then will automatically apply all equations.

Equation 1 is run once to determine whether n ≥ 30 (n = the total number of plots needed to acquire the stipulated leve
O21, and equation 1 does not require another iteration.

If n ˂ 30, equation 1 is automatically applied again in the second iteration using the t-value for degrees of freedom equ
value' in this worksheet). The value of n obtained in the second iteration will appear in cell P21.

As delineated in the CDM A/R Tool, if the sampling fraction is 'large' (when the area sampled is more than 5% of the pr
adjusted using equation 3 and this value is presented in S21. If the sampling fraction is 'small' (when the area sampled
be used. This calculation is automatically done and presented in U21.

The number of plots allocated to the different strata is then calculated using equation 4 and is presented below the res
O21, and equation 1 does not require another iteration.

If n ˂ 30, equation 1 is automatically applied again in the second iteration using the t-value for degrees of freedom equ
value' in this worksheet). The value of n obtained in the second iteration will appear in cell P21.

As delineated in the CDM A/R Tool, if the sampling fraction is 'large' (when the area sampled is more than 5% of the pr
adjusted using equation 3 and this value is presented in S21. If the sampling fraction is 'small' (when the area sampled
be used. This calculation is automatically done and presented in U21.

The number of plots allocated to the different strata is then calculated using equation 4 and is presented below the res

Step 4: Depending on whether the sampling fraction is automatically calculated to be 'large' or 'small', the appropriate
are automatically presented in Y21-X41. In the spreasheet tool, the number of plots is rounded to an integer. This is th

Step 5: The CDM A/R tool provides the user with the required number of plots, given a targeted precision. However, it
number to mitigate any unforseen limitations in field conditions, data collection, and analysis. If this is desired, enter th
total number of plots needed.

Additional Tabs:

Soil C Stocks - Plots: The CDM tool is designed to estimate the number of plots required for biomass stock estimatio
estimate the number of plots to measured to estimate soil carbon stocks. The variability of soil carbon stocks can be ve
presented to estimate the number of plots needed given a specified precision target.

This spreadsheet tool also provides a series of tabs to help calculate the resources and time that may be needed to c

Unit Costs: Input various costs associated with conducting field sampling into the white cells with red borders.
Cost w. establishment : Costs are automatically calculated
Cost wout. establishment: Costs are automatically calculated
R CDM project activities"

ements in baseline and

ed to reach a targeted

"Calculation of the

ng data related to a

of biomass stocks being

mass stocks. Based on

ard deviation of biomass

f a preliminary sample or

ween cells. All other

ally selects the

tratum exist, leave those

≥ 30 it will appear in cell

value table (tab 'student t

ed in equation 1 is
simplified equation 2 can
value table (tab 'student t

ed in equation 1 is
simplified equation 2 can

ber of plots per stratum

he minimum required
matically calculates the

n also be used to
ore, a separate tab is
CDM A/R Methodological Tool
"Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements within A/R CDM project activities"
Biomass stocks
Enter values into the white/red border cells. Use the "Tab" or "Enter" key to jump to the next white/red border cell. If less than 20 stratum exist, leave cells blank.

STEP 1 Input level of acceptable error and confidence level

REQUIRED ERROR AND CONFIDENCE LEVEL
Level of error (%) 10.0% from CDM tool: "A default value of 10% may be used unless a different value is prescribed in a methodology"
Allowable entries: 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%.
Confidence level 90% from CDM tool: "Use the 90% confidence level for determination of biomass stock in A/R CDM project activities,
unless a different confidence level is prescribed in a methodology"

warning: data for at least one stratum must be included

STEP 2 Input Stratum information

STEP 3 Intermediate Results
Calculations completed automatically

Intermediate Calculations

Sampling Characteristics of each stratum Equation 1

Stratum Stratum Name

Standard Plot Quantity (n)

Mean Biomass Plot size
Area Deviation First Iteration
Stratum Stratum Name
(ha) Intermediate Calculations
(t dry matter ha- (t dry matter ha-
1
) 1
)
(ha) Ni wi wi * si wi * si2
Total Sample Size
stratum 1 stratum 1
stratum 2 stratum 2
stratum 3 stratum 3
stratum 4 stratum 4
stratum 5 stratum 5
stratum 6 stratum 6
stratum 7 stratum 7
stratum 8 stratum 8
stratum 9 stratum 9
stratum 10 stratum 10
stratum 11 stratum 11
stratum 12 stratum 12
stratum 13 stratum 13
stratum 14 stratum 14
stratum 15 stratum 15
stratum 16 stratum 16
stratum 17 stratum 17
stratum 18 stratum 18
stratum 19 stratum 19
stratum 20 stratum 20

INTERMEDIATE CALCULATIONS CDM A/R Methodological Tool

1.65
Sample statistic tval (infinite degrees of freedom) "Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements within A/R CDM project activites"
#VALUE! Equation 1 Equation 3
Sample statistic tval (degrees of freedom=n-1) only used where 1st iteration n<30 𝑛=(𝑁∗ 〖𝑡 _𝑉𝐴𝐿 〗 ^2 𝑛_𝑎=𝑛∗1/(1+𝑛/𝑁)
N = sum Ni 0.00 (∑_𝑖▒ 〖𝑤 _𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖
Total Area 0.00 hectares
〗 )^2)/(𝑁∗𝐸^2+
Weighted Mean t dry matter /ha 0.00 tonnes d.m. ha-1
〖𝑡 _𝑉𝐴𝐿 〗 ^2∗∑_𝑖▒ 〖𝑤 _𝑖∗ 〖𝑠 _𝑖 〗
Equation 2 Equation 4
Weighted Plot Size 0.00 ha
Weighted SD #DIV/0! tonnes d.m. ha-1
^2 〗)
𝑛=(𝑡_𝑉𝐴𝐿/ 𝑛_𝑖=𝑛∗(𝑤_𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖)/(∑_𝑖▒
𝐸)^2∗(∑_𝑖▒𝑤_(𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖 ) )^2
〖𝑤 _𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖 〗 )
n = Number of sample plots required for estimation of biomass stocks within project boundary
na=Adjusted number of sample plots required for estimation of biomass stocks within the project boundary; dimensionless
ni = Number of sample plots allocated to stratum i
N = Total number of possible sample plots within the project boundary
tval = Two-sided Student's t-value, at infinite degrees of freedom, for the required confidence level
wi = Relative weight of the area of stratum I (i.e. the area of stratum i divided by project area)
si = Estimated standard deviation of biomass stock in stratum i
Copyright 2014 © E = Acceptable margin of error (i.e. one-half the confidence interval) in estimation of biomass stock
Please do not alter excel file without permission from Winrock International: within project boundary
www.winrock.org Calculated by multiplying the mean biomass stock by the desired precision (i.e. mean biomass stock * 0.1 (for 10 % precision) or 0.2 (for 20 % precision)
[email protected]
CDM A/R Methodological Tool
"Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements within A/R CDM project activities"
Soil C Stocks
Enter values into the white/red border cells. Use the "Tab" or "Enter" key to jump to the next white/red border cell. If less than 20 stratum exist, leave cells blank.

STEP 1 Input level of acceptable error and confidence level

REQUIRED ERROR AND CONFIDENCE LEVEL
Level of error (%) 10.0% from CDM tool: "A default value of 10% may be used unless a different value is prescribed in a methodology"
Allowable entries: 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%.
Confidence level 90% from CDM tool: "Use the 90% confidence level for determination of soil carbon stock in A/R CDM project activities,
unless a different confidence level is prescribed in a methodology"

warning: data for at least one stratum must be included

STEP 2 Input Stratum information

STEP 3 Intermediate Results
Calculations completed automatically

Intermediate Calculations

Sampling Characteristics of each stratum Equation 1

Stratum Stratum Name

Standard Plot Quantity (n)
Mean Biomass Plot size
Area Deviation First Iteration
Stratum Stratum Name
(ha) Intermediate Calculations
(t dry matter ha- (t dry matter ha-
1
) 1
)
(ha) Ni wi wi * si wi * si2
Total Sample Size
stratum 1 stratum 1
stratum 2 stratum 2
stratum 3 stratum 3
stratum 4 stratum 4
stratum 5 stratum 5
stratum 6 stratum 6
stratum 7 stratum 7
stratum 8 stratum 8
stratum 9 stratum 9
stratum 10 stratum 10
stratum 11 stratum 11
stratum 12 stratum 12
stratum 13 stratum 13
stratum 14 stratum 14
stratum 15 stratum 15
stratum 16 stratum 16
stratum 17 stratum 17
stratum 18 stratum 18
stratum 19 stratum 19
stratum 20 stratum 20

INTERMEDIATE CALCULATIONS CDM A/R Methodological Tool

1.65
Sample statistic tval (infinite degrees of freedom) "Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements within A/R CDM project activites"
#VALUE! Equation 1 Equation 3
Sample statistic tval (degrees of freedom=n-1) only used where 1st iteration n<30 𝑛=(𝑁∗ 〖𝑡 _𝑉𝐴𝐿 〗 ^2 𝑛_𝑎=𝑛∗1/(1+𝑛/𝑁)
N = sum Ni 0.00 (∑_𝑖▒ 〖𝑤 _𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖
Total Area 0.00 hectares
〗 )^2)/(𝑁∗𝐸^2+
Weighted Mean 0.00 t carbon /ha
〖𝑡 _𝑉𝐴𝐿 〗 ^2∗∑_𝑖▒ 〖𝑤 _𝑖∗ 〖𝑠 _𝑖 〗
Equation 2 Equation 4
Weighted Plot Size 0.00 ha
Weighted SD #DIV/0! t carbon /ha
^2 〗)
𝑛=(𝑡_𝑉𝐴𝐿/ 𝑛_𝑖=𝑛∗(𝑤_𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖)/(∑_𝑖▒
𝐸)^2∗(∑_𝑖▒𝑤_(𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖 ) )^2
〖𝑤 _𝑖∗𝑠_𝑖 〗 )
n = Number of sample plots required for estimation of soil carbon stocks within project boundary
na=Adjusted number of sample plots required for estimation of soil carbon stocks within the project boundary; dimensionless
ni = Number of sample plots allocated to stratum i
N = Total number of possible sample plots within the project boundary
tval = Two-sided Student's t-value, at infinite degrees of freedom, for the required confidence level
wi = Relative weight of the area of stratum I (i.e. the area of stratum i divided by project area)
si = Estimated standard deviation of soil carbon stock in stratum i
Copyright 2014 © E = Acceptable margin of error (i.e. one-half the confidence interval) in estimation of soil carbon stock
Please do not alter excel file without permission from Winrock International: within project boundary
www.winrock.org Calculated by multiplying the mean soil carbon stock by the desired precision (i.e. mean soil carbon stock * 0.1 (for 10 % precision) or 0.2 (for 20 % precision)
[email protected]
 Cost Parameters - Fixed and Variable Costs
Single Sampling Event Time to Complete Sample Tasks (Estimates)
Assumed risk factor percent
TIME ESTIMATES Mean +1SD -1SD UNITS
FIXED COSTS Cost ($) UNITS Travel time between plots minutes
Travel to sample area $/Project Time spent at plot - Aboveground biomass minutes
Other $/Project Plot Establishment time minutes
TOTAL FIXED COST OF PROJECT $0.00 $/Project Time spent at plot - Soil Carbon minutes

VARIABLE COSTS/UNIT Cost ($) UNITS TOTAL TIME REQUIRED TO VISIT ALL PLOTS
Labor Total number of plots - Aboveground biomass #VALUE! plots
Crew Manager $/hour Total time per plot - Aboveground biomass 0 0 0 minutes
Second Crew Member $/hour Total plot sample time - Aboveground biomass #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! hours
Total Labor Cost $0.00 $/hour Total number of plots - Soil carbon #VALUE! plots
Living Expenses Total plot sample time - Soil Carbon #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! hours
Accommodation (Crew Manager) $/day Total Plot Establish time #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! hours
Accommodation (Second Crew Total time- all project sampling (aboveground
Member) $/day biomass and soil carbon) #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! hours
Total Accommodation $0.00 $/day
Per Diem (Crew Manager) $/day ESTIMATED LENGTH OF WORK DAY
Per Diem (Second Crew Member) $/day Short day hours
Total Per Diem $0.00 $/day Average day hours
Total Living Expenses $0.00 $/day Long day hours
Equipment hire/use
Truck $/day ESTIMATED SAMPLING TIME PERIOD FOR PROJECT
ATV $/day Includes plot establishment Mean +1SD -1SD UNITS
Communication $/day Short day 0 0 0 days
Computer/laptop $/day Average day 0 0 0 days
GPS units $/day Long day 0 0 0 days
Other $/day Excludes plot establishment
Total Equipment Costs $0.00 $/day Short day 0 0 0 days
Supplies Average day 0 0 0 days
Field supplies $/plot Long day 0 0 0 days
Other $/plot
Total Cost Supplies $0.00 $/plot TRAVEL TIME TO PROJECT LOCATION
Analysis Estimated travel and set up time days
Soil carbon analysis $/plot
Shipping for soil carbon analysis $/plot TOTAL WORK DAYS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE PROJECT
Bulk density analysis $/plot Includes plot establishment Mean +1SD -1SD UNITS
Shipping for bulk density analysis $/plot Short day 0 0 0 days
Analysis Sub-Total $0.00 $/plot Average day 0 0 0 days
Other $/plot Long day 0 0 0 days
Shipping for "other" $/plot Excludes plot establishment
Other Sub-Total $0.00 $/plot Short day 0 0 0 days
Total Cost of Sample Analysis $0.00 $/plot Average day 0 0 0 days
Miscellaneous costs Long day 0 0 0 days
Fuel (truck) $/liter
Fuel (ATV) $/liter
Copyright 2006 ©
Please do not alter excel file without permission from Winrock International:
www.winrock.org
[email protected]
 Measurement Cost
(Includes cost of establishing the plots in first year)

Cost category Dollars Total project measurement cost- absence of any risk factors ($)
Labor cost Mean +1SD -1SD Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Living Expenses cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Per diem
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total project measurement cost accounting for risky events ($)
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Accomodation Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Equipment and Supplies

Total Equipment costs
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Supplies $0.00 Copyright 2006 ©

www.winrock.org
Analysis Costs $0.00 [email protected]

Fuel cost 10 gallons/day

Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Fixed costs of travel $0.00

 Measurement Cost
(Excludes cost of establishing the plots)

Cost category Dollars Total project measurement cost- absence of any risk factors
Labor cost Mean +1SD -1SD Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Living Expenses cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Per diem Mean
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total project measurement cost accounting for risky events
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Accomodation Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Equipment and Supplies

Total Equipment costs Mean
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Supplies $0.00 Copyright 2006 ©

www.winrock.org
Analysis Costs $0.00 [email protected]

Fuel cost 10 gallons/day Mean

Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Fixed costs of travel $0.00

 Discounted Present Value of Cost
Interest rate (percent)
(Decimal) 0
Inflation rate (percent)
(Decimal) 0

Monitoring events Present Value of Monitoring Costs ($)

(after initial project set up) Mean +1SD -1SD
Years Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
(Enter Measurement Year or Zero) cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Present Value of Monitoring Costs Assuming Risk ($)

Mean +1SD -1SD
Short day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Average day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Long day $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
cost/ha $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Copyright 2006 ©
www.winrock.org
[email protected]
This table is reproduced from the CDM A/R tool: "Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements within A/R CDM
This tab provides the tval used given the degrees of freedom. This is an input into equation 1.
No information shall be changed in this tab. It is an interim input only

tval
Confidence Level
Degrees of 80% 90% 95% 98% 99%
Freedom
1.00 3.08 6.31 12.71 31.82 63.66
2.00 1.89 2.92 4.30 6.97 9.93
3.00 1.64 2.35 3.18 4.54 5.84
4.00 1.53 2.13 2.78 3.75 4.60
5.00 1.48 2.02 2.57 3.37 4.03
6.00 1.44 1.94 2.45 3.14 3.71
7.00 1.42 1.90 2.37 3.00 3.50
8.00 1.40 1.86 2.31 2.90 3.36
9.00 1.38 1.83 2.26 2.82 3.25
10.00 1.37 1.81 2.23 2.76 3.17
11.00 1.36 1.80 2.20 2.72 3.11
12.00 1.36 1.78 2.18 2.68 3.06
13.00 1.35 1.77 2.16 2.65 3.01
14.00 1.35 1.76 2.15 2.63 2.98
15.00 1.34 1.75 2.13 2.60 2.95
16.00 1.34 1.75 2.12 2.58 2.92
17.00 1.33 1.74 2.11 2.57 2.90
18.00 1.33 1.73 2.10 2.55 2.88
19.00 1.33 1.73 2.09 2.54 2.86
20.00 1.33 1.73 2.09 2.53 2.85
21.00 1.32 1.72 2.08 2.52 2.83
22.00 1.32 1.72 2.07 2.51 2.82
23.00 1.32 1.71 2.07 2.50 2.81
24.00 1.32 1.71 2.06 2.49 2.80
25.00 1.32 1.71 2.06 2.49 2.79
26.00 1.32 1.71 2.06 2.48 2.78
27.00 1.31 1.70 2.05 2.47 2.77
28.00 1.31 1.70 2.05 2.47 2.76
29.00 1.31 1.70 2.05 2.46 2.76
30.00 1.31 1.70 2.04 2.46 2.75
∞ 1.28 1.65 1.96 2.33 2.58

Use the 90% confidence level for determination of biomass

stock in A/R CDM project activities, unless a different confidence
level is prescribed in a methodology
easurements within A/R CDM project activities"