Soil Yards Calculator

Calculate your soil volume in cubic yards, tons and cubic feet instantly for free.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

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How to use it

  1. Enter length in feet.
  2. Enter width in feet.
  3. Enter depth in inches.
  4. Click Calculate to see cubic yards, tons and cubic feet.

What it does – The Soil Yards Calculator turns the three dimensions of your project (length, width, depth) into three useful measures: cubic yards of soil, an estimated weight in US tons, and cubic feet. Knowing cubic yards tells you how much material to order; the ton estimate helps you budget for delivery fees that are often based on weight; cubic feet is handy for comparing to bagged products. The tool uses the standard conversion of 1.3 US tons per cubic yard, so the weight figure is realistic for typical garden soil. After you hit Calculate, the results appear instantly, letting you adjust dimensions, add a waste factor, and place an accurate order without guesswork. You can also copy the numbers into your supplier’s quote form to avoid manual conversions.

Pro tips

  • Add 10% extra volume for compaction and spillage.
  • Round up to the nearest 0.5 cubic yard when ordering bulk soil.
  • Compare the ton estimate with supplier weight limits to avoid extra fees.
  • Double‑check depth entry; many people input depth in feet by mistake.

Real-life examples

  • Planning a new flower bed 8 ft × 5 ft × 6 in deep.
  • Estimating fill for a backyard patio ramp 12 ft × 10 ft × 8 in.
  • Determining soil needed to level a lawn after removing a tree stump 15 ft × 15 ft × 4 in.

Case study

Maria needed soil for a 10 ft × 8 ft garden raised 6 in deep. Using the calculator she saw she required 1.33 cubic yards (≈1.7 tons). She ordered 1.5 cubic yards, saved a delivery fee, and finished on schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert the calculator’s cubic yards to bags of soil?
Divide the cubic yards by the bag’s volume (e.g., a 1‑cubic‑foot bag is 0.037 cubic yards) and round up.
Why does the ton estimate seem higher than expected?
The tool assumes 1.3 US tons per cubic yard, which reflects the typical moisture content of garden soil.
Can I use the calculator for sand or gravel?
Yes, the volume is correct for any fill material; adjust the weight per cubic yard if the material is denser or lighter.
What if my depth is in centimeters?
Convert centimeters to inches (1 cm ≈ 0.39 in) before entering the value.
Is the calculator accurate for irregularly shaped areas?
It works best for rectangular footprints; break complex shapes into rectangles, calculate each, then add the results.