AbstractMetabolic theory and body size constraints on biomass production and decomposition suggest that differences in the intrinsic potential net ecosystem production (NEPPOT) should be small among contrasting C3grasslands and therefore unable to explain the wide range in the annual apparent net ecosystem production (NEPAPP) reported by previous studies. We estimatedNEPPOTfor nine C3grasslands under contrasting climate and management regimes using multiyear eddy covariance data.NEPPOTconverged within a narrow range, suggesting little difference in the net carbon dioxide uptake capacity among C3grasslands. Our results indicate a unique feature of C3grasslands compared with other terrestrial ecosystems and suggest a state of stability inNEPPOTdue to tightly coupled production and respiration processes. Consequently, the annualNEPAPPof C3grasslands is primarily a function of seasonal and short‐term environmental and management constraints, and therefore especially susceptible to changes in future climate patterns and associated adaptation of management practices.