TCTopsoilCalc

Free soil volume calculator

Soil Volume Calculator

Calculate how much soil fits in a garden bed, planter or area. Get cubic feet, cubic yards and the number of bags from the shape, dimensions and depth.

  • Choose the shape. Use a rectangle, circle, triangle or a known area.
  • Enter the depth. Use inches for a practical garden estimate.
  • Buy with a buffer. Add 5% or 10% for settling and uneven ground.

Calculate soil volume

Area shape
Dimensions

The calculator uses the same unit for length, width and diameter. Depth uses inches or centimeters.

Soil volume to order
1.37 yd3
Cubic feet37.0
Bags needed50

Includes 10% extra for settling. Bag count is rounded up.

How soil volume is calculated

The basic calculation is area multiplied by depth. The result is converted into cubic feet and cubic yards so you can compare bulk deliveries with bagged soil.

Rectangle area = length x width
Circle area = pi x (diameter / 2)^2
Triangle area = base x height / 2
Volume = area x depth
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet

What the result means

  • Base volume: the geometric amount of space in the area.
  • Order volume: base volume plus the selected settling allowance.
  • Bag count: order volume divided by the volume printed on the bag, rounded up.

Use the right soil calculator for the job

Soil volume is the starting point. Use the related calculators when you need a topsoil order estimate, lawn depth, coverage, weight or delivery cost.

Topsoil CalculatorEstimate cubic yards, bags and tons for a topsoil project. Raised Bed Soil CalculatorPlan soil and mix volumes for raised beds and planters. Lawn Topsoil CalculatorUse depth presets for topdressing, sod preparation and new lawns. Topsoil Coverage ChartStart with a known amount of soil and see how much area it covers. Tons to Cubic YardsConvert a supplier quote between weight and volume. Topsoil Cost per YardCompare delivered bulk soil with bagged soil costs. Soil Removal CalculatorEstimate loose haul volume, truckloads and optional disposal cost. Potting Soil CalculatorCalculate liters, gallons and bags for pots and planters. Compost CalculatorEstimate compost volume and bags for garden applications. Mulch CalculatorEstimate mulch volume, bags and coverage for landscape areas. Gravel CalculatorEstimate landscape gravel volume, tons, bags and coverage. Sand CalculatorEstimate paver, sandbox and landscape sand volume and bags.

Soil volume calculator FAQ

How do I calculate soil volume?

Multiply the area by the soil depth. For a rectangular bed, multiply length by width by depth, then convert the cubic-foot result into cubic yards by dividing by 27.

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard of soil?

One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to convert to cubic yards.

Should I order extra soil?

A 5% to 10% allowance can help with settling and uneven ground. Use the selected allowance as a planning estimate, then confirm the product and delivery amount with your supplier.

Does this work for potting soil and compost?

Yes. The volume calculation works for soil, compost, mulch and potting mix. Choose the bag volume printed on the product label because bag sizes vary.