Compost Ratio Calculator

Summary

Add your compost materials and weights to instantly calculate the overall carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of your mix.

How it works

1. Select a compost material from the dropdown or choose "Custom" to enter your own C:N ratio.
2. Enter the weight (in pounds or kilograms) of that material.
3. Click "Add Material" to add it to your mix.
4. Repeat for all materials in your compost pile.
5. The calculator instantly shows the overall C:N ratio and whether it falls in the ideal range.
6. Adjust quantities or remove materials to fine-tune your mix.

Use cases

• Balance brown (carbon-rich) and green (nitrogen-rich) materials for fast decomposition.
• Troubleshoot a slow or smelly compost pile by checking the C:N ratio.
• Plan a new compost batch before collecting materials.
• Teach students or gardeners about the science of composting.
• Optimize compost for specific end uses like vegetable gardens or lawn topdressing.
• Compare different material combinations to minimize inputs.

Frequently Asked Questions