Compost C:N Ratio & Carbon-Nitrogen Balance Calculator
Calculate the blended Carbon-to-Nitrogen (C:N) ratio, total moisture percentage, and recipe proportions for composting browns and greens according to Cornell University composting science.
Compost Feedstock Recipe (Browns & Greens)
Ingredient 1: Nitrogen Green (e.g. Manure or Food Scraps)
Default: Horse manure with bedding (25:1 C:N, 60% moisture).
Ingredient 2: Carbon Brown (e.g. Straw, Leaves, Wood)
Default: Dry wheat straw (80:1 C:N, 15% moisture).
Blended C:N Ratio
31.4:1 (OPTIMAL RANGE)
31.4 : 1
Ideal hot composting range is 25:1 to 30:1. Rapid microbial breakdown expected.
Blended Moisture Content
52.5%
Optimal moisture (50%–60% target)
Total Pile Wet Weight
120 lbs
57.0 lbs total dry matter
Elemental Mass Balance
Total Carbon (Dry Mass):
28.5 lbs C
Total Nitrogen (Dry Mass):
0.91 lbs N