{
    "name": "Compost Volume Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/compost-volume-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/compost-volume-calculator.md",
    "category": "Agriculture",
    "description": "Work out how much compost or mulch you need to cover an area to a given depth, in m³, cubic yards, litres, tonnes and bags.",
    "summary": "Compost needed is area × depth. Enter the bulk density of your material to convert the volume to weight.",
    "also_called": [
        "Mulch calculator",
        "Compost coverage calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "area",
            "label": "Area to cover",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "100"
        },
        {
            "name": "area_unit",
            "label": "Area in",
            "type": "select",
            "default": "m2",
            "options": {
                "m2": "Square metres",
                "ft2": "Square feet",
                "acre": "Acres",
                "ha": "Hectares"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "depth",
            "label": "Depth",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "5"
        },
        {
            "name": "depth_unit",
            "label": "Depth in",
            "type": "segmented",
            "default": "cm",
            "options": {
                "cm": "cm",
                "in": "inches"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "density",
            "label": "Bulk density (optional)",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "600",
            "unit": "kg/m³",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "bag_litres",
            "label": "Bag size (optional)",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "50",
            "unit": "L",
            "optional": true
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "volume_m3",
            "label": "Compost needed",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "volume_yd3",
            "label": "Compost needed",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "volume_ft3",
            "label": "Compost needed",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "litres",
            "label": "Compost needed",
            "format": "integer"
        },
        {
            "key": "tonnes",
            "label": "Approximate weight",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "bags",
            "label": "Bags to buy",
            "format": "integer"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Volume = Area × Depth;  Weight = Volume × Bulk density;  Bags = Volume in litres ÷ Bag size, rounded up",
        "variables": {
            "Area": "converted to m²",
            "Depth": "converted to m",
            "1 yd³": "0.764555 m³"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "area": "100",
            "area_unit": "m2",
            "depth": "5",
            "depth_unit": "cm",
            "density": "600",
            "bag_litres": "50"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Volume = 100 m² × 0.05 m = 5 m³ (6.54 yd³).",
            "Weight = 5 × 600 kg = 3 t; bags = 5000 L ÷ 50 L = 100."
        ],
        "result": "Covering 100 m² with 5 cm of compost takes 5 m³, about 3 tonnes or 100 bags of 50 L."
    },
    "interpretation": "Order a little extra: compost settles after spreading, and loose deliveries are measured before settling.",
    "assumptions": [
        "Even depth over the whole area."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Weight depends heavily on moisture; treat the tonnage as approximate."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "How deep should compost be?",
            "answer": "It depends on the use; a few centimetres as a topdressing, more when building new beds. Follow local guidance for your soil and crop."
        },
        {
            "question": "How many 50 L bags make a cubic metre?",
            "answer": "Twenty, because a cubic metre is 1,000 litres."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "Manure Application Rate Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/manure-application-rate-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Concrete Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/concrete-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Soil Carbon Stock Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/soil-carbon-stock-estimate-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": null,
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}