🌿
Soil Calculator
Calculate topsoil, fill dirt, and potting mix for gardens, lawns, and landscaping
🌿
Soil Calculator
How to Calculate Soil Volume
Soil is ordered by the cubic yard for bulk delivery or in bags for smaller projects. One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, or 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep.
Soil Volume Formula
Cubic Feet = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/yd³)
Cubic Feet = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/yd³)
Soil Coverage at Common Depths
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft |
Soil Selection Guide
- Premium Topsoil — Best for lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Rich in organic matter.
- Garden Blend — Topsoil + compost mix. Ideal for vegetable gardens and flower beds.
- Fill Dirt — For structural fill, grading, and leveling. Not for planting.
- Sandy Loam — Well-draining, great for drought-tolerant plants and sandy soil gardens.
- Potting Mix — Lightweight, for raised beds and containers. Very expensive in bulk.
? Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need?
Multiply your area (in square feet) by the depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For a 500 sq ft garden with 6" of topsoil: 500 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 9.26 cubic yards.
How much does topsoil weigh?
Topsoil weighs approximately 1.0–1.3 tons per cubic yard depending on moisture content and composition. Sandy soil is lighter (~1.2 tons/yd³) and clay soil is heavier (~1.5 tons/yd³).
How deep should I add topsoil for a new lawn?
For a new lawn, add 4"–6" of quality topsoil. For garden beds, 8"–12" is ideal. For raised beds, fill with 12"–18" of a blended topsoil/compost mix.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil contains organic matter and nutrients needed for plant growth — it's the dark upper layer. Fill dirt is subsoil (lower layer) with little organic content, used for structural fill. Never use fill dirt for planting areas.
How much soil do I need for a raised garden bed?
A 4×8 ft raised bed that is 12" tall needs: 4 × 8 × 1 ÷ 27 = 1.19 cubic yards of soil. For deeper beds (24"), you'd need 2.37 cubic yards. Use our calculator for any size.
Related Calculators
💡 Pro Tips
Always add 10% extra to material estimates to account for waste, cuts, and mistakes.