Free estimate — verify against local code before building
Soil Calculator
Turn bed dimensions and depth into soil yards, bags, delivery weight, and an optional price comparison.
What this calculator includes
Convert a planting bed or fill layer into cubic feet, cubic yards, bags, and an estimated delivery weight. Soil density, bulk order increment, and bag coverage stay editable because moisture, screening, blend, supplier rules, and packaging can change the real order substantially.
How to use this soil calculator
- 01
Measure the bed
Choose rectangle or circle, then enter outside dimensions and the finished soil depth. Break irregular areas into separate shapes.
- 02
Choose the material
Select topsoil, garden blend, compost, or raised-bed mix, then replace the planning density with the supplier's current conversion when weight matters.
- 03
Set package and allowance
Enter an allowance for settlement, grading, and small spills, plus the actual cubic-foot volume printed on a bag.
- 04
Compare purchase paths
Add optional bulk and bag prices, choose the path you intend to buy, and confirm delivery minimums, access, blend, moisture, and screening with the supplier.
Worked example
Example: 12 by 6 foot bed, 6 inches deep
The bed contains 36 cubic feet before allowance. With 10% added, the order becomes 39.6 cubic feet, or about 1.47 cubic yards, before rounding the chosen bulk or bag purchase.
Practical buying and overage guidance
Match material to the intended use and ask about screening size, ingredients, analysis, moisture, minimum delivery, and dump access. Compare by delivered volume and composition, not just the words 'topsoil' or 'garden soil.'
Continue the project
Refresh Landscape Beds and Lawn
Measure beds and lawn, compare mulch bags or bulk delivery, plan decorative gravel or sod, estimate loads, and price the complete landscape job.
Open the project workflow →Calculation sources and review
Primary references and formula assumptions are linked so you can verify them against the selected product, supplier, and adopted local requirements.
Internal formula review completed July 13, 2026. What this review covers
- USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey (opens in a new tab)
Authoritative soil survey resource; local soil properties still require site observation and, when needed, testing.
- US Composting Council (opens in a new tab)
Industry resources for compost products and testing; use supplier test data for a selected amendment.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard of soil?
One cubic yard is exactly 27 cubic feet. The calculator divides the allowance-adjusted cubic feet by 27, then rounds bulk ordering to the supplier increment you enter.
How many bags of soil equal one cubic yard?
Divide 27 cubic feet by the volume printed on one bag. That is 18 bags at 1.5 cubic feet each or 14 bags at 2 cubic feet after rounding; the calculator uses your editable bag volume.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Weight varies widely with moisture, screening, texture, and organic content. The calculator loads a visible planning density by soil type, but the supplier's delivered weight or conversion should replace it.
Should I add extra soil for settling?
Often yes, especially for loose blends or rough grading, but the right allowance depends on compaction, moisture, and use. Enter a project-specific percentage instead of relying on a hidden universal factor.
Can this calculator tell me which soil my plants need?
No. It calculates quantity only. Plant needs, drainage, pH, nutrients, contaminants, and existing soil conditions may require local extension guidance or a laboratory soil test.