• Simulations of photosynthesis by terrestrial biosphere models typically need a specification of the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax). Estimating this parameter using A–Ci curves (net photosynthesis, A, vs intercellular CO2 concentration, Ci ) is laborious, which limits availability of Vcmax data. However, many multispecies field datasets include net photosynthetic rate at saturating irradiance and at ambient atmospheric CO2 concentration (Asat) measurements, from which Vcmax can be extracted using a ‘one-point method’.
• We used a global dataset of A–Ci curves (564 species from 46 field sites, covering a range of plant functional types) to test the validity of an alternative approach to estimate Vcmax from Asat via this ‘one-point method’.
• If leaf respiration during the day (Rday) is known exactly, Vcmax can be estimated with an r 2 value of 0.98 and a root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of 8.19 lmol m-2 s-1 . However, Rday typically must be estimated. Estimating Rday as 1.5% of Vcmax, we found that Vcmax could be estimated with an r 2 of 0.95 and an RMSE of 17.1 lmol m-2 s-1 .
• The one-point method provides a robust means to expand current databases of fieldmeasured Vcmax, giving new potential to improve vegetation models and quantify the environmental drivers of Vcmax variation.