Soil Compaction Calculator
Calculate soil compaction percentage from wet density, dry density, and optimum moisture. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Formula
ฮณd = Ws / V | w = (Ww - Wd) / Wd ร 100 | RC = ฮณd / ฮณd_max ร 100
Dry density = dry weight / volume. Moisture content = (wet-dry)/dry ร 100%. Relative compaction = field density / max Proctor density ร 100%. RC โฅ 95% typically required.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Field test
Problem:Wet=1850g, Dry=1650g, V=943.3cmยณ, Max=1.85 g/cmยณ
Solution:ฮณd=1.749, w=12.1%, RC=94.5%
Result:94.5% (Fail โ needs more compaction)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is soil composition and how is it measured?
Soil is composed of minerals (45%), organic matter (5%), water (25%), and air (25%). Texture is classified by percentages of sand (0.05-2mm), silt (0.002-0.05mm), and clay (less than 0.002mm) using the USDA soil texture triangle. Loam, an ideal garden soil, has roughly equal parts of each.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer ยท Editorial policy