Soil Calculator
Work out cubic yards and tons of soil for garden beds, lawns and fill.
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Currency: Amounts are calculated in the currency you select; this site does not convert between currencies and does not use live exchange rates.
What this tool does
The Soil Calculator converts any rectangular area and depth into cubic yards of soil and its weight in tons, using typical densities for garden mix, topsoil or fill dirt.
How to use the Soil Calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area.
- Enter the depth you want to fill.
- Choose the material so the correct density is used.
- Enter your supplier's price per ton.
- Order the volume or tonnage shown, rounded up.
Formula
yd³ = L × W × (D ÷ 12) ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × density ÷ 2,000
- L, W
- Length and width in feet
- D
- Depth in inches
- density
- Material weight in lb per cubic yard
Densities are typical loose values; moisture and gradation change actual weight by ±10%.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft area filled 6 in deep with garden soil mix.
Inputs
- Length20 ft
- Width10 ft
- Depth6 in
- MaterialGarden soil mix (1,800 lb/yd³)
- Price per ton$30
Result
- Volume needed3.7 cu yd
- Weight3.33 US tons
- Volume100 cu ft
- Area covered200 sq ft
- Estimated cost$100.00
Material density (per cubic yard)
| Material | Weight | US tons |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil (dry, screened) | 2,200 lb | 1.10 tons |
| Garden soil mix | 1,800 lb | 0.90 tons |
| Fill dirt | 2,000 lb | 1.00 tons |
Results explained
- Volume needed
- Cubic yards to order (how most yards sell bulk material).
- Weight
- Tons, for quarries that sell by weight and to check truck capacity.
- Volume (cu ft)
- Same volume in cubic feet, useful for bagged products.
- Area covered
- Surface area of the bed or base.
- Estimated cost
- Tons × your price per ton, before delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Length × width × depth (in feet) gives cubic feet; divide by 27 for cubic yards.
About 1,800–2,200 lb dry, more when wet.
Spread 4–6 inches of topsoil before seeding or sodding.
Most half-ton pickups can carry about 1 cubic yard of soil safely.
Yes, add 10–20% for loose soil that will settle after watering.