How to Calculate Bulk Compost Needs for Large-Scale Jobs

When it comes to commercial landscaping and construction projects, compost isn’t just a soil amendment — it’s part of the foundation. Whether you’re preparing planting beds, improving turf performance, or restoring disturbed land, using the right volume of compost is essential for both soil health and cost efficiency.

But estimating the amount of compost you need can get tricky. Under-order, and you risk project delays. Over-order, and you’re wasting money and resources. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to calculate bulk compost needs for large-scale landscaping and construction jobs so you can order confidently.

Ordering in bulk means every miscalculation is magnified. Shorting yourself even a few yards can stall an install, while overordering eats into your project budget and space.

For contractors, landscape architects, and facilities teams, precision matters. Planning compost volume properly can:

• Prevent unexpected delivery delays
• Reduce material waste
• Improve jobsite efficiency
• Ensure uniform coverage across large zones
• Keep your team on schedule and under budget

Compost is typically sold by the cubic yard, not by weight or pallet. Understanding this measurement is the key to planning successful jobs at scale.

To calculate how much compost you need in cubic yards, use this formula:

Square footage × depth (in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards

1 cubic yard covers:

• 324 sq. ft. at 1 inch
• 162 sq. ft. at 2 inches
• 108 sq. ft. at 3 inches

If you’re covering a 25,000 sq. ft. installation with 2 inches of compost:

25,000 × 2 ÷ 324 = 154.32 cubic yards

You’ll want to round up to 155–160 cubic yards to account for settling and irregular site grading.

Different use cases call for different compost depths. Here are some standard guidelines:

Pro tip: For soil remediation or erosion control projects, expect to use closer to 3 inches, especially on sloped or depleted sites.

Bulk buyers need to account for variables that smaller jobs can ignore. Before finalizing your order, assess:

• Soil composition – Sandy or poor soils absorb more compost
• Grade or slope – Hillsides may need additional depth to prevent runoff
• Moisture content – Wet compost can compact more quickly
• Access limitations – Will you need to stage compost in different areas?
• Spillage or redistribution – Always factor in a buffer for cleanup or rework

For large jobs, it’s smart to add 5 to 10 percent extra to your total estimate to avoid unexpected shortfalls.

To simplify the math, The Compost Company offers an easy-to-use Bulk Compost Calculator that converts square footage and depth into cubic yards. It’s designed specifically for contractors, developers, and municipal teams working at scale.

Use our Bulk Compost Calculator

Once you know your volume, we’ll work with you to schedule delivery in phases, coordinate staging zones, or align with your install crew’s schedule.

Once you’ve calculated your volume, efficient delivery is the next step. Here’s what to consider:

• Dump zone access – Clear, stable ground that can handle truck weight
• Load capacity – Larger deliveries may be split into multiple loads
• Crew timing – Plan delivery to arrive when your team is ready to spread
• Weather window – Wet conditions can complicate unloading or spreading
• Staging protection – Use tarps or temporary cover if storing onsite for more than 24–48 hours

At The Compost Company, we deliver bulk compost across the southern US with flexible scheduling for large orders.

We regularly supply compost for projects like:

• Municipal parks and greenways
• DOT and infrastructure restoration
• Commercial and multifamily developments
• School campuses and athletic fields
• Large-scale agriculture or orchard operations
• Environmental reclamation and soil rebuilding

Our team understands the logistics and scope of large jobs, and we’re here to help your crew stay on schedule.

1.  Calculate each project zone individually
2.  Choose the right compost depth for your use case
3.  Use our calculator to estimate volume
4.  Round up to avoid running short
5.  Schedule delivery based on crew availability
6.  Partner with a supplier experienced in large-scale delivery