Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio Calculator | Optimize Compost Easily
Meme's Worms C:N Ratio Calculator
Helping your compost thrive - one worm at a time!
How to Balance the Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio in Your Worm Bin (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you’re just getting into worm farming (or even if you've been doing it a while), you’ve probably heard the term Carbon-to-Nitrogen ratio, or C:N ratio. Sounds like science class all over again, right? But don’t panic. This is one of those things that sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro.
Let’s break it down—Meme style.
What Is the Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio, Really?
Think of it like a recipe. Worms need both carbon-rich browns and nitrogen-rich greens to stay healthy and productive. The C:N ratio is just the balance between those two things.
Too much nitrogen (like food scraps or fresh manure) and your bin gets slimy, stinky, and acidic—not good for your wigglers.
Too much carbon (like dry leaves, cardboard, or paper) and everything slows down. Your worms start packing their little bags and demanding better accommodations.
The Sweet Spot for Worms
For regular compost piles, most people shoot for a C:N ratio around 25–30:1.
But worms? They like it a little more mellow. I’ve found that a C:N ratio of 40–50:1 keeps things cozy, safe, and productive in a worm bin. It's like setting the thermostat just right so nobody's sweating or freezing.
Carbon-Rich “Browns” – The Dry Stuff That Keeps Things Balanced
These materials are high in carbon and help soak up moisture:
Shredded cardboard (~350:1) – My personal favorite. Tear it up and let it soften a bit.
Dried leaves (~60:1) – Great filler. Just make sure they're not too thick or waxy.
Peat moss (~58:1) – Holds moisture but can be acidic, so balance it out with oyster shell or crushed eggshells.
Coco coir (~100:1) – A worm-friendly bedding alternative.
Paper products (paper towels, napkins, printer paper) – Usually around 150–175:1. Just avoid the glossy stuff.
Nitrogen-Rich “Greens” – The Worm Food
These materials are high in nitrogen and feed your worms:
Vegetable scraps (~12:1) – Chop them small to speed up breakdown.
Coffee grounds (~20:1) – Worms love it. Just don’t overdo it.
Aged manure (chicken ~10:1, cow ~20:1) – Only add if it’s been sitting a while and isn’t hot.
Alfalfa pellets (~12:1) – Great protein source for breeders.
Grass clippings (~15:1) – Only use dried ones. Fresh can heat up and kill worms.
☕ Meme Tip: Always age your manure and dry your grass clippings before adding them. Hot materials = sad, cooked worms. Nobody wants that.
Do I Need to Be Exact?
Nope. You’re not baking a soufflé—you’re building a habitat.
Use the C:N ratio as a guide, not a rulebook. Watch how your worms react and adjust as you go. If the bin smells bad? Add more browns. If it’s dry and nothing’s happening? Time to feed or moisten things up a bit.
Want to Play With the Numbers?
I made a Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio Calculator just for you. Plug in your materials and see how your mix stacks up. It’s a great way to experiment, especially if you're trying new bedding recipes or troubleshooting a funky bin.
👉 Click here to try the calculator
Don’t Want to Do All the Math?
I get it—sometimes you just want to get started without breaking out the calculator. That’s why I created Meme’s Vermifusion™ blends—custom-balanced bedding and feed mixes with the ideal C:N ratio for worm health, reproduction, and composting power.
✨ Check out my starter kits and bedding bundles designed to take the guesswork out of worm farming. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, I’ve got your back (and your bin).
Final Thoughts from Meme
Worm farming is part science, part art, and a whole lot of observation. Don’t let the numbers scare you off. Start with a good bedding base, add food scraps gradually, and check in on your worms often. Trust me—they’ll tell you what they need.
You’ve got this.
🪱💪
– Meme
