Feed your garden the right amount.
Calculate exactly how much organic compost you need to amend your soil for maximum plant growth.
Calculate Your Project
Project Diagram
Total Volume
Enter dimensions above
Estimated Weight
Based on Compost density (0.6 t/yd³)
Number of 2 cu ft bags
— bags
Recommended Depths for Compost
| Project / Use Case | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Topdressing Lawns | 0.25–0.5 inches |
| Soil Amendment (Tilled) | 1–2 inches |
| Raised Bed Mix (50% blend) | 6 inches |
How to Calculate Compost Volume
Most landscaping suppliers sell compost by the cubic yard. To convert your project area to cubic yards, use this formula:
Our calculator also multiplies your cubic yard result by 0.6 tons/yd³ (the standard density for compost) to show estimated weight — essential if you are hauling the material yourself or need delivery pricing.
Pro Tips & Insights
For raised beds, a standard recipe is 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% aeration material like perlite or sand.
When topdressing a lawn, aerate the soil first so the compost can reach the root zone.
Compost is very light compared to soil. A full cubic yard typically weighs between 1,000 and 1,200 lbs.