Compost Calculator

How much compost do I need?

ft
ft
in

Order this much compost

1.5cubic yards

Includes 5% extra, rounded up to the nearest quarter yard.

25 ft8 ft0"3"6"9"12"
Exact volume33.3 cu ft
1 cu ft bags35 bags
Wheelbarrow loads (5 cu ft)9
Approximate weight0.9 tons
Half-ton pickup trips2

Find the compost needed to top-dress a lawn or work into a bed. Thin layers go further than most people expect.

How it works

Area × depth in cubic yards, plus about 0.6 tons per yard. Enter depth in inches.

Before you order

  • About 1 to 2 inches is a typical amendment for established beds.
  • Top-dress lawns with a thin quarter to half inch so grass is not smothered.
  • Finished compost smells earthy. A sour smell means it needs more time.

Common questions

How much compost should I add to a garden?

Commonly 1 to 3 inches worked into the top several inches of soil.

Can I use too much compost?

Yes. Very heavy use can add excess nutrients, so keep annual applications modest.