Compost Calculator

For Healthy gardens or lawns, compost is a crucial component of the soil. You can use our compost calculator to determine how much compost you will need for any project or plantation. No matter how large or small. Our calculator can also help you determine how much mulch or compost you will need for any kind of project whether small or large. Simply enter the inputs specified and hit the calculate button.

Garden or lawn type
Depth
Length
width
Area in
Volume in

We know it's very difficult to measure the compost needs, as it is a very essential component for your garden. You can use our calculator to find and measure the right quantity of compost that you will need. Before going any further and understanding how to calculate or measure your compost needs, let’s know what is Compost.

What is Compost?

Compost consists of decayed organic matter, primarily plant materials like leaves and apple cores. The waste products from plants break down while being piled together, producing a nutrient-rich product that revitalizes the soil microbes. Using Compost in your garden enhances the health, appearance, and even tastes of your product, and it is also beneficial for large-scale agriculture or lawns. This calculator will help you to know the right amount of compost you will need according to the area.

Ratio of Compost in the Soil

As a general rule, you should mix compost with the soil to a 25% compost, 75% soil ratio. If you are planting a garden, raised bed, or a new lawn, mix about 1-2 inches of compost into the top 6-8 inches of the existing soil. Before or after aeration, you should add 1/4-1/2 inches to the top of your lawn if you are adding it to an existing lawn. If you are simply creating a soil mix, remember to add about 25% compost.

Compost Volume Formula

The formula to determine Compost Volume is given by the equation Compost Volume = Width*Length*Depth

Note: All the measurements should be in the same unit or the result so obtained will be false. To Convert the depth from inches to feet all you need to do is multiply it by 0.083

For Example:

The width of the garden is 6 feet

The length of the garden is 20 feet

The depth of the garden is 2 inches

Then the Volume will be = Width*Length*Depth.

= 6*20*2*0.083

=19 cubic feet.

How do you Measure Compost?

Compost is usually measured in cubic yards and cubic feet. If you plan to purchase it in bulk for a large-scale product, you will likely buy it at a wholesale price in cubic yards However if the amount you need for a home garden is smaller, you may purchase compost from a local hardware store or garden center in bags of 1 cubic foot. 

Formula For Calculating Compost Volume in Yards:

Volume in Yards: Width in Yards*Length in Yards*Depth in inches*0.0031

Formula for Compost Volume in Meters Cubed

Volume in Meters Cubed: Width in meters*Length in meters*Depth in Centimeters*0.01

What is the Use Of Compost?

The nutrients contained in compost benefits plants and boost the food web that lives within your soil, including earthworms, small batteries, and fungi. Although we don't tend to think about these creatures often, they are all critical to soil health, and plants will benefit from a well-balanced food web by taking up nutrients more efficiently and possibly surviving disease better. 

In addition to providing nutrients for the soil, compost also reduces soil compaction, which reduces the need for irrigation, allows for better drainage, and reduces stormwater runoff. Compost enriches the soil to reduce compaction, thereby protecting local lakes, rivers, and oceans.

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FAQs on Compost

1. What is the value of Compost?

Humus improves soil texture and helps to keep it moist, preventing diseases that affect plants and pests Reduction in the need for chemical fertilizers Boosts the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, which contains nutrients.

2. What are the types of Compost?

Composting is the breaking down of organic materials. There are three kinds: aerobic, anaerobic, and vermicomposting. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Households, farms, restaurants, schools, offices, and places of business generate compostable waste.

3. How much Compost I should mix with the soil?

If you are applying compost to the top of the soil, average 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and once you amend the soil, one to two inches amended to six to eight inches is the best recommendation. The maximum is 25% to 30% compost in a soil blend but no more than 25% in containers or raised beds.

4. What is Compost made of?

The main components of compost are leaves, shredded twigs, and kitchen scraps From gardeners, compost is referred to as "black gold," since it has numerous benefits in the garden Compost is one of the best soil amendments, making clay soil easier to work with and harder to compact.

5. What is the difference between compost and fertilizers?

The compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter, such as plant waste and manure, that feeds garden soil. Fertilizer, meanwhile, is either an organic or synthetic mixture that feeds garden plants.

6. What is the best type of Compost?

Using yard waste compost in heavy clay soil or soils that contain little organic matter is particularly beneficial. Yard waste compost is rich in organic matter but nutrient-depleted. Don't forget fertilizer when preparing planting sites with this type of compost.

Compost calculator