New Mexico Dirtbags / Calculating Bags

Linear projects (walls, flower beds, etc.):

One way to calculate how many bags you might need for something like a wall is to simply figure how many square feet the face of the construction will be (height times length).

Thinking of, say, a wall 5 feet high by 10 feet long?

Square feet would be 5' x 10'=50 sq. feet; using the chart to the left as a guide, you would need 150 bags (using our dimensions of 12"x16"x3").

Rules of thumb:

3 bags for every 1 square foot
15 bags for every 5 square feet
30 bags per every 10 square feet
75 bags for every 25 square feet
150 bags for every 50 square feet
300 bags for every 100 square feet.

You may also want to consider using larger bags (available through special order), which are better at facilitating those smooth,
cornerless, sweeping curves.

Circles and arcs:

If you're considering building something circular, or incorporating an arc,
then calulating how many 16" long bags (filled) you'll need will start with
this formula:

[length = diameter multiplied by pi multiplied by x/360]

where x is the degree of your arc, and pi = 3.14159265,
then dividing by 1.33333 feet.

Example: a 15 foot diameter dome has a circumference of a little over
47 feet (15 feet times pi);
so, 47 divided by 1.33333 = 35.34 bags for the first course ("row").

Confusing? It can be. Call or write us. We'll try our best to help.
Of course, if you're filling your own bags to different dimensions, you'll have to make corresponding changes to the above formula.

Weight is included to give you food for thought regarding preparing your foundation and / or footing.

Additionally, it might give you a clearer idea why compacted earthbag construction has been compared to rammed-earth construction; the sheer weight of the bags pressing down over time consolidates your project's structural integrity - if your foundation is rock-solid.

Also: if you're considering building a habitation, it's always a good idea to enlist the services an architect or a structural engineer to sign off on your plans. Doing so will not only ensure peace of mind, but may be an important or essential factor in securing a building permit.

We hope to be posting more on this site on the how-to's of building structures & relevant codes.

Number of Bags	Pounds @ 25 each (average)	Approx square feet (length x height)	Linear projects (walls, flower beds, etc.): One way to calculate how many bags you might need for something like a wall is to simply figure how many square feet the face of the construction will be (height times length). Thinking of, say, a wall 5 feet high by 10 feet long? Square feet would be 5' x 10'=50 sq. feet; using the chart to the left as a guide, you would need 150 bags (using our dimensions of 12"x16"x3"). Rules of thumb: 3 bags for every 1 square foot 15 bags for every 5 square feet 30 bags per every 10 square feet 75 bags for every 25 square feet 150 bags for every 50 square feet 300 bags for every 100 square feet. You may also want to consider using larger bags (available through special order), which are better at facilitating those smooth, cornerless, sweeping curves. Circles and arcs: If you're considering building something circular, or incorporating an arc, then calulating how many 16" long bags (filled) you'll need will start with this formula: [length = diameter multiplied by pi multiplied by x/360] where x is the degree of your arc, and pi = 3.14159265, then dividing by 1.33333 feet. Example: a 15 foot diameter dome has a circumference of a little over 47 feet (15 feet times pi); so, 47 divided by 1.33333 = 35.34 bags for the first course ("row"). Confusing? It can be. Call or write us. We'll try our best to help. Of course, if you're filling your own bags to different dimensions, you'll have to make corresponding changes to the above formula. Weight is included to give you food for thought regarding preparing your foundation and / or footing. Additionally, it might give you a clearer idea why compacted earthbag construction has been compared to rammed-earth construction; the sheer weight of the bags pressing down over time consolidates your project's structural integrity - if your foundation is rock-solid. Also: if you're considering building a habitation, it's always a good idea to enlist the services an architect or a structural engineer to sign off on your plans. Doing so will not only ensure peace of mind, but may be an important or essential factor in securing a building permit. We hope to be posting more on this site on the how-to's of building structures & relevant codes. (Here's the 2006 NM Earthen Building Material Code) home \| products \| getting started \| computations \| techniques \| plastering \| links about us \| contact
1	25	0.33
2	50	0.67
3	75	1
6	150	2
9	225	3
12	300	4
15	375	5
18	450	6
21	525	7
24	600	8
27	675	9
30	750	10
45	1,125	15
60	1,500	20
75	1,875	25
90	2,250	30
105	2,625	35
120	3,000	40
135	3,375	45
150	3,750	50
165	4,125	55
180	4,500	60
195	4,875	65
210	5,250	70
225	5,625	75
240	6,000	80
255	6,375	85
270	6,750	90
285	7,125	95
300	7,500	100
375	9,375	125
450	11,250	150
525	13,125	175
600	15,000	200
900	22,500	300
1,200	30,000	400
1,500	37,500	500
3,000	75,000	1,000
4,500	112,500	1,500
15,000	375,000	5,000
30,000	750,000	10,000