How to use it
- Enter the length in feet
- Enter the width in feet
- Enter the depth in inches
- Read the cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet results
What it does – The Topsoil Calculator converts the dimensions you enter (length ft, width ft, depth in) into three useful measures: cubic yards, approximate tons, and cubic feet. Why it matters – Knowing cubic yards tells you how many bulk bags or truckloads to order; the ton estimate helps you compare material costs; cubic feet is handy for small‑scale projects or when a supplier quotes in feet. How to read it – The calculator first finds the volume in cubic feet (length × width × depth ÷ 12). It then divides by 27 to get cubic yards and multiplies cubic yards by 1.3 tons to give an approximate weight. Results appear instantly, so you can adjust dimensions and see the impact on material needs right away.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and settling
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard for ordering
- Order a little extra to avoid multiple deliveries
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet
Real-life examples
- Planning a new flower bed and need to know topsoil quantity
- Estimating material for a lawn renovation before calling a supplier
- Calculating how much topsoil to spread after a tree removal
Case study
Sam entered his 12 ft × 18 ft patio area with a 4‑inch depth, got 2.96 cubic yards (≈3.85 tons), ordered 3 cubic yards, and completed the project without a second delivery.