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Compost Ratio Calculator

Balance brown and green compost materials and estimate what your compost pile needs next.

Compost Ratio Calculator

Balance brown and green compost materials by volume to estimate what your pile needs next.

Compost balance

Balanced mix

Your compost mix is close to the common 2:1 to 3:1 brown-to-green range.

Brown vs. green materials

Browns are carbon-rich materials like dry leaves, shredded cardboard, straw, and wood chips. Greens are nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and fresh plant trimmings.

Composting note

Compost ratios are estimates. Material size, moisture, airflow, temperature, and how often you turn the pile can affect how quickly compost breaks down.