Equations were developed for estimating fuel loading (g/m2) of grasses, narrow-leaved forbs, broad-leaved forbs, and small woody plants common to western Montana and north Idaho. Independent variables were plant height and percentage of ground covered. R2 for the equations ranged from 0.30 to 0.91. The equations provide reasonable estimates for vegetation similar to that sampled in this study; however, accuracy could decrease significantly if the equations are applied to dissimilar vegetation. Differences in ocular estimates of ground cover between observers averaged 5.8 percentage points.