Abstract The relationship between nutrient balance and yield and quality of pineapple has not been clearly elucidated with experimental data in the literature. Using previously established DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) norms and a set of plant composition data from the literature, the nutrient balance index (NBI) for pineapple was determined and compared with total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) and their product and ratio. Under conditions of proper nutrient balance, pineapple fruit weigh between 1 and 2 kg with TSS greater than 12%, TA greater than 0.45%, TSS/TA less than 25 and TSS*TA greater than 4.5. These limits are presented as preliminary guidelines for further testing.