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Worm Bin Calculator — Size & Setup

Your Worm Bin Setup

Worms Needed
2.00 lbs
Approximately 2,000 worms
Bin Surface Area
7.0 sq ft
3.7' x 1.9' x 1.0' deep
Weekly Food Capacity
7.0 lbs
1.00 lbs per day
Monthly Compost Output
15.0 lbs
Rich vermicompost for your garden
Bedding Needed
17.5 lbs
Shredded paper or cardboard
Estimated Cost
$60
$30 per lb of worms

Bin Requirements

Bin Length3.7 in
Bin Width1.9 in
Bin Depth1.0 in
Worms Needed2.0 lbs
Bedding17.5 lbs

Worm Type Reference

Worm TypeTemperature RangeProcessing SpeedBest For
Red Wiggler55-77°FFastKitchen scraps, general use
European Nightcrawler50-70°FMediumCooler climates, fishing bait
Indian Blue68-86°FVery FastWarm climates, maximum output

Worm Composting Tips

Bedding Moisture

Keep bedding as moist as a wrung-out sponge (70-80% moisture). Too dry and worms won't thrive; too wet and it becomes anaerobic.

Avoid Citrus & Onions

Limit citrus peels and onions as they can make the bin too acidic. Small amounts are okay, but don't overdo it.

No Meat or Dairy

Never add meat, dairy, oils, or pet waste. These attract pests and create odors. Stick to plant-based kitchen scraps.

Harvest Schedule

Harvest finished compost every 3-6 months. Push finished compost to one side and add fresh bedding to the other to separate worms.

Chop Food Waste

Chop or blend food scraps before adding. Smaller pieces decompose faster and are easier for worms to consume.

Bury Food Scraps

Bury food waste under bedding to prevent fruit flies and odors. Rotate burial spots around the bin for even distribution.

Example Calculations

1Small Apartment Setup

Inputs

Household size1 person
Food waste0.5 lbs/day
Worm typeRed wiggler
Bin typePlastic tote
GoalKitchen scraps only

Result

Worms Needed1 lb (1,000 worms)

You'll need 1 lb of worms (1,000 worms) costing about $30. Your bin should be 2.6' x 1.3' x 1.0' deep (3.5 sq ft surface area) with 8.6 lbs of bedding. This setup processes 3.5 lbs weekly and produces 7.5 lbs of compost monthly.

2Family Home System

Inputs

Household size4 people
Food waste0.75 lbs/day per person
Worm typeRed wiggler
Bin typeWooden box
GoalKitchen + paper waste

Result

Worms Needed7.8 lbs (7,800 worms)

You'll need 7.8 lbs of worms (7,800 worms) costing about $234. Your bin should be 6.4' x 4.3' x 1.5' deep (27.3 sq ft surface area) with 102.4 lbs of bedding. This setup processes 27.3 lbs weekly and produces 58.5 lbs of compost monthly.

3Maximum Output Operation

Inputs

Household size2 people
Food waste1.0 lb/day per person
Worm typeIndian blue
Bin typeContinuous flow
GoalMaximum output

Result

Worms Needed5.7 lbs (5,700 worms)

You'll need 5.7 lbs of worms (5,700 worms) costing about $160. Your bin should be 7.2' x 2.9' x 2.0' deep (21.0 sq ft surface area) with 105.0 lbs of bedding. This setup processes 21 lbs weekly and produces 45 lbs of compost monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How many worms do I need for my household?

A general rule is 1 pound of worms can process about 0.5 pounds of food waste per day. For a household of 2 people producing 0.5 lbs of waste each per day, you'd need about 2 lbs of worms (approximately 2,000 worms). Red wigglers are the most common choice, reproducing quickly to match your waste output.

Q

What size worm bin do I need?

You need approximately 1 square foot of surface area per pound of food waste per week. For a family producing 7 lbs of waste weekly, a bin measuring 3.5 feet by 2 feet with a depth of 12-18 inches would be ideal. Surface area is more important than depth for worm composting.

Q

What's the best worm type for composting?

Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the most popular choice for most climates, thriving in 55-77°F and processing waste quickly. European nightcrawlers work better in cooler climates (50-70°F), while Indian blue worms excel in warmer regions (68-86°F) with very fast processing speeds.

Q

How much compost will my worm bin produce?

Worms typically convert about 50% of food waste into finished compost by weight. A household producing 1 lb of waste daily can expect roughly 15 lbs of rich vermicompost per month. The actual amount varies based on worm population, temperature, and waste composition.

Q

What bedding do I need for a worm bin?

You'll need about 2.5 lbs of bedding material per cubic foot of bin space. Shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or aged leaves work well. Keep bedding as moist as a wrung-out sponge (70-80% moisture) and fluff it regularly to maintain airflow.

Q

How much does it cost to start a worm bin?

Red wigglers cost about $30 per pound, European nightcrawlers around $35/lb, and Indian blue worms about $28/lb. For a 2-person household needing 2 lbs of worms, expect to spend $56-70 on worms, plus bin materials. Bins can be DIY (under $20) or purchased systems ($80-300).

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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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