Landscaping · Material planning

Soil Volume Calculator

Estimate soil to fill a measured bed or add a layer. Convert dimensions to cubic yards, cubic meters and bags with an editable allowance.

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Your project

US & metric

Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
sq ft

Add other measured sections without counting overlaps twice.

sq ft
in
%

An editable purchasing margin, not a measured compaction rate.

cu ft

Use the labeled volume of the product you plan to buy.

lb / cu yd

Optional. Enter the density of this product to estimate weight.

$
$ / cu yd
$

Enter 0 if included. Bulk cost remains blank until delivery is specified.

Enter your measurements

The calculation

Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

  • Enter your supplier’s bulk density to show weight. Volume alone cannot determine tons.
  • 10% extra is included once. Confirm supplier minimums and delivery increments.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this soil calculator

    Measure usable interior dimensions for planters. Subtract existing soil or drainage structures by using the remaining fill depth.

    Growing mixes and mineral topsoil are not interchangeable. Confirm the product’s intended application before ordering.

    Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 1.956 cu yd. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Length / circle diameter: 12 ft
    • Width: 8 ft
    • Material depth: 6 in
    • Extra allowance: 10 %
    • Volume per bag: 2 cu ft

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Soil planning questions

    Can I calculate soil for a raised garden bed?

    For a simple rectangular or circular bed, enter its internal dimensions and the remaining depth to fill. Subtract occupied volume by calculating the relevant sections separately. The result is total soil volume; it does not split a recipe into compost, topsoil or other ingredients.

    How do I convert soil cubic yards to bags?

    Multiply cubic yards by 27 to obtain cubic feet, divide by the bag’s cubic-foot volume and round up. In metric units, one cubic meter equals 1,000 liters. Use the printed bag volume instead of a weight-based assumption.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.