How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons.
What it does – You plug in the length and width of the area in feet and the desired depth in inches. The tool instantly converts those dimensions to cubic feet, then to cubic yards (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet), and finally to tons using the industry‑standard 1.3 tons per cubic yard. Why it matters – Knowing the exact volume helps you order the right amount of topsoil, avoid costly over‑orders, and plan for delivery weight limits. Reading the results – Cubic feet shows raw volume, cubic yards is the common ordering unit, and tons gives a weight estimate for transport. Example: A 10 ft × 20 ft area 6 in deep equals 100 ft³, 3.70 yd³, and about 4.8 tons. You can round up by 5‑10 % to cover settling, and the calculator also shows the volume in cubic feet for those who need it for fill calculations.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10 % extra volume to account for settling and compaction.
- Round tons up to the nearest whole number for ordering simplicity.
- Compare the ton estimate with truck load limits before purchasing.
- Double‑check depth entry; inches, not feet, is required.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner preparing a new garden bed needs to know how many tons of topsoil to order.
- A landscaper estimating material for a lawn renovation wants accurate volume and weight.
- A DIY enthusiast planning a raised patio wants to avoid ordering too much topsoil.
Case study
Maria entered a 12 ft × 15 ft area with a 4‑inch depth, got 2.22 yd³ and 2.9 tons, ordered 3 tons, and saved $120 by avoiding an over‑order.