How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches and click Calculate.
What it does – The calculator turns the dimensions of your planting area (length, width, depth) into three practical measures: cubic yards of soil, the approximate weight in US tons, and the total cubic feet. Knowing the cubic yards tells you how many dump‑truck loads to order; the ton estimate helps you compare product specifications and delivery costs; cubic feet is useful for smaller bags. The tool uses the standard conversion of 27 cubic feet per yard and a weight factor of 1.3 tons per yard, so the results match what suppliers quote. Enter your numbers and the calculator instantly shows the three values, ready to copy into a purchase list or a budget spreadsheet. You can also round up to the next whole yard to cover settling, and the calculator lets you quickly test different depths for landscaping plans.
Pro tips
- Add 10% extra soil to account for compaction and settling.
- Always round up to the next whole yard; you can’t order a fraction.
- Compare supplier ton ratings with the calculator’s ton estimate before buying.
- Double‑check depth conversion (inches to feet) to avoid under‑ordering.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner preparing a new flower bed of 12 ft × 8 ft × 4 in.
- A landscaper estimating soil for a 30 ft × 20 ft lawn renovation at 6 in depth.
- A DIY gardener buying soil for raised‑bed containers that total 10 ft × 5 ft × 8 in.
Case study
Sarah needed soil for a 15 ft × 10 ft garden at 6 in depth. Using the calculator she saw she required 3.7 cubic yards (≈5 tons). She ordered 4 yards, avoiding a costly second delivery and finished planting on schedule.