Calculate how much compost you need for garden beds, lawns, and raised beds. Get cubic yards, bag counts, and cost estimates.
Don't know your garden bed area? Measure it with LotSite for free →
Cubic yards needed based on area and depth.
| Area | 1" Deep | 2" Deep | 3" Deep | 4" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.2 cu yd | 0.3 cu yd | 0.5 cu yd | 0.6 cu yd |
| 100 sq ft | 0.3 cu yd | 0.6 cu yd | 0.9 cu yd | 1.2 cu yd |
| 200 sq ft | 0.6 cu yd | 1.2 cu yd | 1.9 cu yd | 2.5 cu yd |
| 500 sq ft | 1.5 cu yd | 3.1 cu yd | 4.6 cu yd | 6.2 cu yd |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3.1 cu yd | 6.2 cu yd | 9.3 cu yd | 12.3 cu yd |
| 2,000 sq ft | 6.2 cu yd | 12.3 cu yd | 18.5 cu yd | 24.7 cu yd |
Compost is the single best amendment you can add to any soil. It improves clay soils by increasing drainage and aeration. It improves sandy soils by increasing water retention and nutrient-holding capacity. It feeds beneficial microorganisms that make nutrients available to plants.
For vegetable gardens, apply 2 to 3 inches of compost each spring and work it into the top 6 inches of soil. For lawns, a thin 1/4 to 1/2 inch topdressing after core aeration dramatically improves soil quality over time. For new raised beds, fill with a 50/50 mix of compost and topsoil.
Getting the right amount starts with an accurate area measurement. Use LotSite to map your garden beds on satellite imagery and get precise square footage — especially useful for multiple beds or irregular shapes.
Enter your address and paint your garden beds on the satellite map for exact square footage.
Also check out our topsoil calculator and mulch calculator