Soil Calculator
Calculate soil volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, liters, and whole bags for garden beds, lawn work, and landscape areas. Enter a rectangle or circle, choose the soil depth and bag size, and add local bulk or bag pricing.
Calculate Soil Quantity
Enter the area dimensions and planned soil depth.
Bag sizes and bulk sales increments vary. Round bags up and confirm the supplier’s available package size.
How to Use the Soil Calculator
Choose the area shape, enter its dimensions, and select the soil depth. Use the package volume printed on the bag or choose cubic yard pricing for bulk soil. Bag counts round up to a whole package.
1. Measure every bed
Use length and width for rectangles or diameter for circles. Calculate separate sections when the landscape contains several shapes.
2. Select the depth
Enter the new layer depth. When refreshing an existing bed, measure how much depth is actually missing rather than entering the total old and new layer.
3. Choose bulk or bags
Use cubic yards for bulk orders and whole bag count for packaged products. Compare delivery charges and minimum bulk quantities separately.
How Much Soil Do I Need?
Soil volume equals surface area multiplied by depth. The result is converted into cubic feet, cubic yards, and liters so it can be compared with bulk and packaged products.
Bag quantity is calculated from the selected package volume and rounded up. Product labels may use cubic feet, quarts, or liters, so use the closest verified package size.
Use the depth needed for the planting or lawn task. Existing soil, settling, and bed shape can change the amount placed.
Soil Coverage by Depth
The table shows cubic yards before extra material.
| Area | 2 inches | 4 inches | 6 inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ |
| 250 sq ft | 1.54 yd³ | 3.09 yd³ | 4.63 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ | 12.35 yd³ | 18.52 yd³ |
Soil for Common Projects
Use the depth and product suited to the planting or lawn purpose.
Garden beds
Calculate the area and soil depth needed for a new bed or for adding material to an existing bed.
Lawn repair
Use the actual area and planned layer depth. Large grading changes should be measured separately.
Planting areas
Soil volume does not determine soil quality. Select a product that matches the plants and site conditions.
Measurements, Assumptions, and Ordering
Measure each section, use finished depth, and select the package size from the product label. The calculator estimates quantity and cost. Soil selection, drainage, fertility, pH, and amendment decisions require appropriate site and horticultural guidance.
Soil Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate soil in cubic yards?
Multiply area by depth in feet and divide cubic feet by 27.
How many bags of soil do I need?
Divide required cubic feet by the bag volume and round up to a whole bag.
Can I calculate soil for a circular bed?
Yes. Enter the diameter and the calculator uses π multiplied by radius squared.
How many liters are in the result?
The calculator converts cubic feet using about 28.3168 liters per cubic foot.
Should I add extra soil?
Use an allowance when settling, uneven areas, or handling loss justifies it.
Is soil the same as topsoil?
Soil is a broad term. Topsoil is a surface material category with product composition that varies by supplier.