How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches and click Calculate.
The Topsoil Calculator turns the three dimensions of your planting area into the three quantities you actually order: cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet. Knowing the cubic‑yard volume lets you compare prices across suppliers, while the ton estimate reflects the typical weight trucks charge for. The cubic‑foot figure is handy for small‑scale projects or when your supplier quotes in feet. Simply input length, width, and depth; the tool converts depth to feet, multiplies to get cubic feet, divides by 27 for cubic yards, and multiplies by 1.3 tons per cubic yard for a weight estimate. Read the results to order the right amount without costly over‑ or under‑buying.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for settling and compaction.
- Round up to the nearest half‑yard for easier ordering.
- Check supplier’s ton‑per‑yard conversion; we use 1.3 US tons.
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner preparing a new lawn of 500 sq ft at 4 in depth.
- A landscaper estimating soil for a garden bed 12 ft × 8 ft × 6 in.
- A DIYer buying topsoil to fill a raised planter 3 ft × 3 ft × 12 in.
Case study
Jane needed topsoil for a 10 × 12 ft garden at 6 in depth. Using the calculator she saw she required 2.22 cubic yards, about 2.9 tons, and ordered 2.5 yards, saving $45 versus over‑ordering.