Soil Calculator

Calculate the amount of soil needed for your garden beds, raised planters, and landscaping projects.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual soil needs may vary based on soil compaction, moisture content, and specific project requirements. Consult with a landscaping professional for precise measurements for large projects.

Area Shape

Length

Width

Depth

About Our Soil Calculator

Our Soil Calculator helps you estimate the amount of soil needed for your gardening and landscaping projects. Whether you're planning a raised garden bed, filling planters, or creating a new garden area, this tool will help you determine exactly how much soil to purchase.

Why Use a Soil Calculator?

Accurately estimating soil quantities is essential for garden planning. Too little soil means frustrating mid-project trips to the garden center, while too much results in wasted money and materials. Our calculator provides precise measurements so you can purchase the right amount the first time.

Understanding Soil Measurements

Garden soil is typically sold in cubic yards, cubic feet, or bags (measured in quarts or pounds). Our calculator converts your garden measurements into all common soil purchase units, making it easy to buy exactly what you need regardless of how the soil is sold.

1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet ≈ 25-30 40lb bags of soil

Key Features:

Calculate soil needs for rectangular, circular, and triangular areas
Multiple unit options: feet, meters, inches, and yards
Instant conversion to cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, and bagged soil
User-friendly interface for quick garden planning

How to Use:

Select your garden area shape
Enter the dimensions in your preferred units
Specify the depth of soil needed
Click "Calculate Soil Needs" to see your results

Common Garden Soil Depths:

Lawns: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of topsoil

Flower Beds: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of garden soil

Vegetable Gardens: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) of garden soil

Raised Beds: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) of garden soil

Container Gardens: Varies by container, but typically filled to 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the rim

Types of Garden Soil

Different gardening projects require different types of soil:

Topsoil: Basic soil for filling large areas and general landscaping
Garden Soil: Enhanced topsoil with added organic matter for in-ground gardens
Potting Soil: Lightweight mix for containers and raised beds
Compost: Organic matter used to amend existing soil (typically 2-3 inch layer)
Specialized Mixes: For specific plants like vegetables, succulents, or acid-loving plants

Perfect for gardeners, landscapers, DIY enthusiasts, or anyone planning a garden project. Start calculating your soil needs today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this soil calculator?

Our soil calculator provides estimates based on the dimensions you enter. In practice, the actual amount of soil needed may vary slightly due to factors like soil compaction, settling, irregular shapes, and moisture content. We recommend adding 5-10% extra to your calculated amount to ensure you have enough for your project.

How do I know what depth of soil I need?

The ideal soil depth depends on what you're planting. Generally, lawns need 4-6 inches of topsoil, flower beds require 6-8 inches, vegetable gardens need 8-12 inches, and raised beds should have 10-12 inches of soil. Plants with deep root systems (like tomatoes or trees) may need deeper soil. When in doubt, consult plant-specific guidelines or your local garden center.

Should I buy soil in bags or in bulk?

For small projects requiring less than 1 cubic yard of soil, bags are often more convenient. For larger projects, buying soil in bulk (by the cubic yard) is typically more economical. One cubic yard of soil is approximately equivalent to 25-30 bags of 40lb soil, depending on the type and moisture content. Consider your budget, storage space, and how you'll transport the soil when making your decision.