Soil Calculator
Turn the length, width, and depth of a bed or lawn into topsoil or garden-soil volume in cubic yards and the number of bags — so you can decide between bagged soil and a bulk delivery and order the right amount.
How to Use
- Enter the length and width of the area in feet to set its footprint.
- Enter how deep you want the soil in inches — the tool converts to feet for you.
- Pick the bag size you would buy (0.75, 1.5, or 2 ft³) to get a bag count.
- Read the volume in cubic yards and the equivalent number of bags.
- Use the cubic-yard figure to compare against a bulk delivery, and the bag count for store runs.
Show Work
Typical depths
About the Soil Calculator
The Soil Calculator is a free tool for building, materials estimation and site work. It runs right in your web browser, so there is nothing to download. Turn the length, width, and depth of a bed or lawn into topsoil or garden-soil volume in cubic yards and the number of bags — so you can decide between bagged soil and a bulk delivery and order the right amount.
How it works
Type your numbers into the boxes. The answer shows up right away — you do not have to press a button. If you change a number, the answer changes too. So you can try different numbers and watch what happens, or check an answer you worked out yourself. Just make sure each box has the right kind of number in it.
Want the deeper story? The Knowledge Base explains the ideas behind the tools in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should the soil be?
It depends on the use. A light lawn topdressing is only 1/4 to 1/2 in, a new lawn wants 4 to 6 in of quality topsoil, a garden bed runs 6 to 12 in, and a raised bed is usually filled 12 to 18 in deep. Deeper roots need deeper soil, so match the depth to what you are planting.
When should I buy bulk instead of bags?
Bagged soil is convenient for small jobs and raised beds, but the price per cubic foot is much higher. Once you are past roughly a cubic yard — about 36 of the 0.75 ft³ bags or 18 of the 1.5 ft³ bags — a bulk delivery by the yard is usually cheaper and a lot less lifting and bag tearing.
How many bags are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 36 bags of 0.75 ft³, 18 bags of 1.5 ft³, or about 14 bags of 2 ft³. This is why bulk gets attractive fast: filling one 4×8 raised bed a foot deep is 32 ft³, already more than a cubic yard.
Should I order extra soil?
A little. Fresh soil and compost settle and compact after watering, so beds and lawns often need a top-up. Adding about 10% covers settling and any low spots you find while spreading. Soil is cheap compared with making a second trip or delivery.
Is topsoil the same as garden soil?
Not quite. Plain topsoil is screened native soil and is fine for grading and filling, while garden or raised-bed soil is blended with compost and other amendments for planting. This calculator gives you volume either way — just buy the mix that suits the use and the same numbers apply.
How do I use the Soil Calculator?
Just type your numbers. The answer shows up right away — there is no button to press. Change anything and it updates by itself.
Is it free? Does it work without internet?
Yes to both. It is free with no sign-up, and once the page has loaded it keeps working even with no internet.
Where does my data go?
Nowhere — every calculation runs on your own device. Nothing you enter is uploaded, logged, or stored.
Common Use Cases
Filling a raised bed
Size the soil for a raised garden box and compare bags against a bulk yard before you buy.
Topdressing or building a lawn
Spread the right depth of topsoil over a new or tired lawn without over- or under-ordering.
Amending a garden bed
Calculate how much garden soil to work into a planting bed at your target depth.
Pricing a landscape job
Get cubic yards up front so you can quote bulk soil and delivery accurately.
Planning a store run
Turn the volume into a bag count so you know how many bags fit in the vehicle and the budget.
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