How to use it
- Enter the length in feet.
- Enter the width in feet.
- Enter the desired depth in inches.
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons.
What it does – The calculator turns the length, width, and depth of your planting area into three practical measures: cubic feet, cubic yards, and an estimated weight in tons. Why it matters – Knowing cubic yards tells you how many bulk bags or truckloads to order; cubic feet helps when buying bagged topsoil; the ton estimate lets you compare material costs that are often priced by weight. How to read the results – The cubic‑feet value is the raw volume of the hole. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards (the standard bulk‑order unit). Multiply cubic yards by 1.3 tons to see the approximate weight. For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft area 6 in deep equals 50 ft³, 1.85 yd³, and about 2.4 tons. Use these numbers to order the right amount without costly over‑ or under‑buying.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and settling.
- Round up to the nearest half‑yard for easier ordering.
- Check local supplier weight conversions; some use 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
- Measure depth at several points to avoid under‑estimating uneven ground.
Real-life examples
- Landscaping a new garden bed and need to know how many bulk bags to order.
- Preparing a lawn repair area and want the exact weight for delivery quotes.
- Renovating a backyard patio base and need cubic yards for contractor bidding.
Case study
Sara entered her 12 ft × 8 ft patio area with a 4‑inch depth, got 1.19 cubic yards (≈1.5 tons), ordered exactly that amount, and avoided paying for extra topsoil she never used.