How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet results.
What it does – The calculator converts the dimensions you input (length ft, width ft, depth in) into three useful quantities: cubic yards of topsoil, an approximate weight in US tons, and cubic feet.
Why it matters – Ordering the right amount avoids costly over‑orders or a half‑finished garden. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, and we estimate weight at 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
How to read – The cubic‑yard figure tells you how many full‑size loads to request from a supplier; the ton value helps you compare freight quotes; the cubic‑feet number is handy for small‑scale projects.
Example – A 20 ft × 30 ft area 6 in deep yields 300 ft³, which is 11.1 yd³ and about 14.4 tons.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and spillage.
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard for delivery.
- Order a full‑yard extra if you plan to spread later.
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet.
Real-life examples
- Planning a new flower bed for a backyard remodel.
- Estimating topsoil for leveling a driveway after pothole repairs.
- Preparing a raised garden plot for vegetable planting.
Case study
Jane needed soil for a 15 ft × 20 ft patio garden 4 in deep. Using the calculator she saw she required 8.9 yd³ (≈11.6 tons) and ordered 9 yd³, avoiding a costly over‑order and finishing the project on schedule.