Soil Calculator: estimate volume, weight, and cost in minutes
Use this Soil Calculator to answer the big three questions for any garden or landscaping job: how much soil you need, how much it will weigh, and what it will cost. You enter the length, width, and depth (or area), then choose your units and—if you like—add density and price. The calculator does the number crunching and shows volume, weight, and total cost with neat unit conversions.
How the Soil Calculator works
The Soil Calculator follows a clean chain of logic. First it computes area. Next it multiplies by depth to get volume. Then it converts that volume to the unit you choose. If you provide bulk density, it estimates total weight. If you add price—either price per unit mass or price per unit volume—it calculates total cost and shows the running currency result.
Nothing fancy hides behind the curtain. The math uses high-precision conversion factors, so yard, meter, foot, liter, and gallon values align. You get practical answers with round numbers you can actually order.
Quick steps to use the calculator
- Measure length and width of the area. If the space isn’t rectangular, split it into smaller shapes and sum the areas.
- Decide on the depth of the soil layer. See the depth guide below if you’re not sure.
- Pick your favorite units. Most DIY jobs use meters and centimeters. Landscapers often work in feet and inches or in cubic yards.
- Optional: enter a density value to get weight. Bulk density varies with moisture and compaction.
- Optional: add price per unit mass (like $/t) or price per unit volume (like $/m³). The calculator prefers mass pricing when both are present.
- Review the read-only results: Volume needed, Weight needed, and Total cost.
The simple formulas (with examples)
You don’t need to do the math by hand, but seeing the formulas helps you sanity-check the results.
1) Area of the surface
- Rectangle: Area = Length × Width
- Triangle: Area = Base × Height ÷ 2
- Circle: Area = π × Radius²
2) Volume of soil required
Volume = Area × Depth
You plan a 10 m × 5 m flower bed with 3 cm of soil.
- Area = 10 m × 5 m = 50 m²
- Depth = 3 cm = 0.03 m
- Volume = 50 m² × 0.03 m = 1.5 m³
The same area in feet: 32.81 ft × 16.40 ft with a 1.18 in layer.
- Area ≈ 538.2 ft²
- Depth = 1.18 in = 0.098 ft
- Volume ≈ 538.2 ft² × 0.098 ft ≈ 52.74 ft³ which is about 1.95 yd³
3) Weight from volume
Weight = Volume × Bulk Density
If your volume is 1.5 m³ and density is 1300 kg/m³, the weight equals 1.5 × 1300 = 1950 kg or 1.95 t.
4) Cost from price
- Mass pricing: Cost = Price_per_mass × Mass_in_that_unit
- Volume pricing: Cost = Price_per_volume × Volume_in_that_unit
Units & conversions cheat-sheet
Use these conversions to interpret results or talk to your supplier confidently.
| Type | Metric | Imperial / US | Conversions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | m, cm | ft, in, yd | 1 m = 3.28084 ft; 1 in = 2.54 cm |
| Area | m², cm², ha | ft², yd², acre | 1 m² = 10.7639 ft²; 1 acre = 4046.856 m² |
| Volume | m³, L | yd³, ft³, US gal, UK gal | 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³ = 1.30795 yd³; 1 m³ = 1000 L |
| Mass | kg, t | lb, US ton, long ton | 1 t = 1000 kg; 1 lb = 0.453592 kg |
Soil bulk density: typical values
Bulk density depends on texture, organic matter, and moisture. Saturated or compacted soil weighs more than fluffy, freshly blended mix. Use the supplier’s value when possible. If you don’t have one, the ballpark ranges below guide a quick estimate.
| Material | kg/m³ | lb/ft³ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screened topsoil (dry) | 1200–1400 | 75–87 | Light, easy to spread |
| Topsoil (moist) | 1400–1700 | 87–106 | Typical for bulk deliveries |
| Garden mix (soil + compost) | 1000–1400 | 62–87 | Lower density from organic content |
| Sand (dry) | 1500–1700 | 94–106 | Heavy; compacts strongly |
Want a deeper dive on bulk density and soil structure? See these accessible primers from university extensions and agencies:
USDA NRCS on bulk density and
Penn State Extension on soil compaction.
Bags vs bulk delivery
Suppliers sell soil in several ways: individual bags, half-yard tote sacks, and loose full-truck deliveries. Bags are easier to move and store; bulk is cheaper per unit. Use the calculator’s volume output, then match it to packaging.
- Typical bag: 1.0–1.5 ft³ (about 28–42 L). Ten 1.5 ft³ bags equal roughly 0.56 m³.
- 1 cubic yard “super sack”: ~0.7646 m³.
- Loose bulk: sold per m³ or yd³ with delivery fees and minimums.
If you need just a bit more than a clean half yard, don’t shave too close. Order a small buffer for settling, waste, and edges.
How to price your project
You’ll see two common pricing models. Some vendors price by mass—$ per ton. Others price by volume—$ per cubic meter or yard. Moisture swings change weight but volume stays about the same. Volumetric pricing keeps things simple for garden mixes.
No mass price listed? Ask for a density estimate or request a price per m³/yd³. Then enter that price directly in the calculator and skip the density step.
Don’t forget delivery, fuel surcharges, or minimum order fees. They matter more for small jobs than you think.
Depth guide for common projects
Depth drives volume which drives cost. Choose the right layer and you’ll avoid overspending or under-filling.
- Top-dressing lawn: 0.5–1 cm (¼–⅜ in)
- New lawn soil: 5–10 cm (2–4 in)
- Flower border refresh: 5–8 cm (2–3 in)
- Raised vegetable bed: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
- Leveling low spots: As needed; compact in thin lifts
Use the lower end if you already have decent soil. Go thicker when you’re building depth or improving poor subsoil.
Pro tips that save time and money
- Measure twice. Sketch your space and label each dimension. Add odd shapes as separate rectangles or triangles.
- Convert depth to meters (or feet) before you multiply. Centimeters and inches trip people up.
- Account for compaction. Freshly delivered soil settles 5–15% depending on moisture and tilling. Add a small buffer if you need a flush finish.
- Request a single blend. A garden mix with compost saves you from handling multiple materials and random ratios.
- Protect your driveway. Lay plywood sheets or a tarp where the truck dumps to speed cleanup.
- Stage the work. Move soil with a wheelbarrow in consistent lifts. You’ll get better compaction and an even grade.
- Water lightly after spreading. Moisture helps the layer knit without crushing air pockets.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much soil I need?
Measure length and width to get area, convert depth to meters or feet, then multiply area by depth. Convert the resulting cubic meters or cubic feet to the units your supplier uses, such as cubic yards or liters.
Is topsoil sold by the ton or by the yard?
Both systems appear. Many bulk yards quote per cubic yard or per cubic meter. Quarries and contractors often quote per ton. If you only know price per ton, ask for bulk density and let the calculator bridge the gap.
What density should I use if I don’t have a value?
For garden mixes and screened topsoil in typical moisture, try 1200–1500 kg/m³ (75–94 lb/ft³). It’s a starting point, not a rule. Always favor the supplier’s figure when you can get it.
How much extra should I order for settling?
A modest buffer of 5–10% covers rake-outs, edge shaping, and compaction. Raised beds and fluffy mixes settle more than sandy blends.
What if my planting area is curved?
Break the shape into rectangles and triangles, or trace a grid on paper and count full and partial squares. Estimating a bit high beats the last-minute dash for extra bags.
Do I need geotextile fabric under soil?
Only in specific cases. Fabric separates soil from gravel, stops fines from migrating, and keeps weeds down under paths. Beds and borders usually don’t need it.
Step-by-step example you can copy
Let’s say you’re filling a raised bed that’s 3.6 m by 1.2 m and 0.25 m deep.
- Area = 3.6 × 1.2 = 4.32 m²
- Volume = 4.32 × 0.25 = 1.08 m³
- With density 1300 kg/m³, weight = 1.08 × 1300 = 1404 kg (≈ 1.4 t)
- Price per m³ is $45 → cost ≈ $48.60
When accuracy matters most
Precision saves money on big jobs. If you’re grading a large lawn or installing a long berm, pull a string line and use a laser level or water level to confirm average depth. Depth errors multiply quickly across wide areas.
If you’re adding soil for structural purposes—beneath pavers, for example—follow local specs for compaction, moisture, and layer thickness. Municipal standards often specify compaction targets and testing methods.
Troubleshooting odd results
- Result looks too large? Check depth. People often type centimeters while the selector stays on inches, or vice versa.
- Weight seems off? Density varies with moisture. Ask for the supplier’s current bulk density and update your input.
- Cost is missing? Enter either price per ton or price per cubic meter. The calculator needs one pricing model to work with.
Plan smart, plant happy
The right amount of soil transforms a space. Beds look finished. Roots find air, water, and nutrients. With this Soil Calculator you estimate volume, weight, and cost quickly and confidently. Measure well, pick sensible depths, and lean on the unit conversions to speak your supplier’s language. You’ll get what you need without guesswork or waste.
Bookmark this page and come back when you plan the next planter, path, or border. The Soil Calculator stays ready to turn simple measurements into clear, reliable orders.
