How Much Compost Do I Need?
Whether you're topdressing or building a new bed, enter the area and depth for compost in cubic yards and bags.
Shape
Units
Area: 0.0 sq ft
Planning more than one thing? Open the Yard Planner → to trace your whole yard over an aerial photo and total every material at once.
How to measure for compost
- Measure the length and width of your area in feet.
- Multiply them for square feet (or just enter length and width above).
- Choose a depth — we default to 2 inches for compost.
- Read your total in cubic yards, or the number of bags.
How Much Compost Do I Need? coverage at a glance (2" deep)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic yards | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.7 | 19 |
| 200 | 1.4 | 37 |
| 300 | 2.0 | 56 |
| 500 | 3.4 | 92 |
| 1,000 | 6.8 | 184 |
Includes a 10% overage allowance. Estimates are low-fi — confirm with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a layer of compost be?
For topdressing beds or lawns, 1/2–1 inch. For amending a new bed, work 2–3 inches into the top 6–8 inches of soil.
How much compost for a vegetable garden?
A 2-inch layer mixed in is a good start for most vegetable beds. Enter your bed size above with a 2-inch depth.