How Many Cubic Feet Of Soil In A Yard Calculator

Calculate exactly how many cubic feet and cubic yards of soil you need for any yard—instant, free, and no sign‑up required.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

Loading calculator…

How to use it

  1. Enter length in feet, width in feet, and depth in inches.
  2. Click Calculate.
  3. Read the cubic‑feet and cubic‑yard results.

What it does – This free tool converts the dimensions of your planting area into the volume of soil you’ll need, showing both cubic feet and cubic yards. Why it matters – Ordering the right amount prevents costly over‑orders or shortfalls that delay projects. How to read the results – The first number is the total cubic feet of soil; divide by 27 (or read the second line) to see the equivalent cubic yards, the standard unit for bulk deliveries. Because 1 foot equals 12 inches, the calculator automatically handles the depth entered in inches. Use the numbers to compare supplier quotes, schedule deliveries, and keep your landscaping budget on track. Most suppliers price soil by the cubic yard, so seeing both units lets you match the calculator output to the quote you receive. The instant result also helps you plan the amount of mulch, compost, or topsoil for garden beds, lawns, or raised planters.

Pro tips

  • Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and settling.
  • Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard for bulk orders.
  • Order soil in the unit the supplier uses to avoid conversion errors.
  • Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet before calculating.

Real-life examples

  • Planning topsoil for a new lawn after a house remodel.
  • Estimating mulch volume for a garden pathway redesign.
  • Calculating soil needed to fill raised vegetable beds.

Case study

Jenna needed soil for a 20 ft × 15 ft patio garden 6 in deep. The calculator showed 150 cubic feet (5.6 cubic yards). She ordered 6 cubic yards, avoiding a costly shortfall and saving on excess material.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert depth in inches to feet for the calculation?
Enter the depth as inches; the calculator uses the 12 inches = 1 foot conversion automatically.
Why does the tool show both cubic feet and cubic yards?
Suppliers price soil by the cubic yard, while many DIY projects think in cubic feet; both units help you compare and order correctly.
Should I add extra soil for settling?
Yes, add about 5‑10% extra to account for compaction and settling over time.
Can I use this calculator for sand or gravel?
Absolutely; the volume calculation works for any bulk material measured in cubic feet or yards.
What if my yard isn’t a perfect rectangle?
Break the area into rectangular sections, calculate each, then add the results for the total volume.