Soil Calculator

The Soil Calculator takes the guesswork out of ordering dirt, compost, or mulch for a garden bed or landscaping project by converting your area's dimensions into an exact volume and cost estimate. Select your shape (rectangle, square, or circle), enter the length, width, and depth, then choose your soil type and price per cubic yard. You'll get the cubic yards needed, cubic feet, bag count, total weight, and an estimated cost.

ft
ft
inches

We recommend 2-4 inches for most gardens

Results

Cubic Yards Needed

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Cubic Feet

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Bags Needed (0.75 cu ft)

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Total Weight

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Estimated Cost

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?

For raised beds, multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. We recommend 2-4 inches of depth for most garden beds.

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

A cubic yard of topsoil typically weighs between 1,000-1,300 pounds (0.5-0.65 tons) when dry, and can weigh up to 1.5 tons when wet or compacted.

Do you buy soil by the yard or ton?

Most suppliers sell soil by the cubic yard for volume measurements. Some may offer pricing by the ton, especially for bulk deliveries. A cubic yard is generally more practical for garden planning.

Is there a difference between soil and topsoil?

Yes, topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil that's rich in organic matter and nutrients. Regular soil or fill dirt may lack these nutrients and organic content needed for healthy plant growth.

How many bags of soil equal a cubic yard?

A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Standard soil bags are typically 0.75 cubic feet, so you'd need about 36 bags to equal one cubic yard of soil.

Do you need to amend your soil?

Most soils benefit from amendments like compost or fertilizer. Poor quality soil may need significant amendments, while good topsoil might only need light fertilization for optimal plant growth.