Compost Calculator
Calculate how much compost you need for your garden, lawn, or landscaping project
Calculate Compost Needed
Area Dimensions
Application Type
Mix into top 6-8 inches of soil
Dosage Level
Standard application, average soil conditions
Compost Pricing (Optional)
Compost Requirements
Calculation: Area (0.0 sq ft) × Depth (1.5" = 0.13 ft) = 0.0 cubic feet
Application method: Mix into top 6-8 inches of soil
Mix ratio: Approximately NaN% compost, NaN% existing soil
Application Tips
Example Calculations
New Garden Example
Garden size: 10 ft × 5 ft = 50 sq ft
Application: New garden with heavy dosage
Depth needed: 2 inches
Volume: 50 sq ft × 2" = 8.3 cubic feet
Existing Lawn Example
Lawn size: 110 ft × 80 ft = 8,800 sq ft
Application: Existing lawn with aeration
Depth needed: 0.5 inches
Volume: 8,800 sq ft × 0.5" = 367 cubic feet (13.6 cubic yards)
Quick Depth Reference
Depths shown are general guidelines. Adjust based on soil conditions and plant needs.
Benefits of Compost
Improves soil structure and water retention
Provides slow-release nutrients for plants
Enhances beneficial soil microorganisms
Reduces need for chemical fertilizers
Reduces organic waste going to landfills
Understanding Compost Applications
What is Compost?
Compost is decomposed organic matter that provides essential nutrients and improves soil structure. It's created through the natural breakdown of plant materials by beneficial microorganisms.
Application Guidelines
- •New gardens: 1-2 inches mixed into top 6-8 inches of soil
- •Existing lawns: 1/4 to 1/2 inch applied after aeration
- •Vegetable gardens: 2-3 inches for heavy feeding crops
- •Tree/shrub areas: 2-4 inches around root zone
Calculation Method
Volume = Length × Width × Depth
Calculate the volume needed by multiplying your area dimensions by the recommended depth for your specific application type.
Purchasing Options
Making Compost at Home
Green Materials (Nitrogen)
- • Kitchen scraps (fruits, vegetables)
- • Fresh grass clippings
- • Coffee grounds
- • Fresh plant trimmings
- • Eggshells
Brown Materials (Carbon)
- • Dry leaves
- • Shredded newspaper
- • Cardboard
- • Dry grass clippings
- • Wood chips/sawdust
What NOT to Compost
- • Meat and dairy products
- • Fats and oils
- • Pet waste
- • Diseased plants
- • Weeds with seeds
Tip: Maintain a 3:1 ratio of brown to green materials for optimal composting. Turn the pile regularly and keep it as moist as a wrung-out sponge.