How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Click “Calculate” to see cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons.
What it does – You enter the length and width of the area in feet and the desired depth in inches. The calculator instantly converts those dimensions to cubic feet, then to cubic yards, and finally estimates the weight in US tons using the standard 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Why it matters – Knowing cubic yards tells you how much soil you need to order, while the ton estimate helps you compare supplier quotes that charge by weight. It also prevents costly over‑ordering or running short mid‑project.
How to read the results – Cubic feet is the raw volume. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards (the unit most suppliers use). Multiply cubic yards by 1.3 to see the approximate tons of soil. Use these numbers to place an accurate order.
Pro tips
- Add 5–10% extra for settling and compaction.
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard for supplier pricing.
- Order soil by weight if the supplier quotes per ton; use the ton estimate to compare.
- Double‑check depth conversion; a 6‑inch depth is 0.5 ft, not 6 ft.
Real-life examples
- Planning a new garden bed of 10 × 8 ft at 6 in depth.
- Filling a raised patio border that’s 12 × 5 ft and 4 in deep.
- Restoring a lawn patch 15 × 20 ft with a 3‑inch top‑soil layer.
Case study
Emily needed soil for a 12 × 10 ft garden bed 6 in deep. Using the calculator she saw she required 1.78 cubic yards ≈ 2.3 tons. She ordered 2 cubic yards, avoiding a costly over‑order and completed her garden on schedule.