Soil Volume Calculator

Calculate the volume of soil needed for raised beds, garden plots, or landscaping projects, and estimate the total soil weight using bulk density. Essential for ordering topsoil, compost, or fill dirt.

Results

Volume (cubic feet)-

Volume (cubic yards)-

Soil Weight (tons)-

Soil Weight (pounds)-

Area (sq ft)-

Formula & How It Works

Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft), where Depth (ft) = Depth (inches) ÷ 12

Volume (cubic yards) = Cubic Feet ÷ 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cu ft)

Soil Weight (lb) = Volume (cu ft) × Bulk Density (lb/cu ft)

Bulk density varies by material: topsoil ~75-90 lb/cu ft, compost ~50-65 lb/cu ft, sand ~90-100 lb/cu ft, clay ~80-100 lb/cu ft. Moisture significantly increases weight.

Calculation Example

A raised bed 100 ft long, 50 ft wide, filled 6 inches deep (0.5 ft): Volume = 100 × 50 × 0.5 = 2,500 cu ft = 92.59 cu yd.

At 80 lb/cu ft bulk density: Weight = 2,500 × 80 = 200,000 lb = 100 tons. A typical dump truck carries 10-15 cu yd, so this would need ~7 truckloads.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Measure the length and width of the area in feet. 2. Determine the desired soil depth in inches (6-12" for raised beds, 2-4" for topdressing). 3. Enter the bulk density of your soil material — use 80 for general topsoil, 55 for compost, 95 for sand. 4. Click Calculate to see volume and weight.

About This Tool

Soil volume calculations are critical for ordering the right amount of material. Bulk density measures the mass of dry soil per unit volume, including pore space. Compacted soils have higher bulk density (1.4-1.8 g/cm³) while well-structured topsoils are lower (1.0-1.3 g/cm³). One cubic yard of typical topsoil weighs approximately 1.0-1.3 tons depending on moisture content.

Applicability: Designed for temperate and subtropical soils, applicable to farming systems across North America and Europe.

References & Sources:

Source: USDA NRCS, Soil Health and Nutrient Management Guide, National Agronomy Manual, 2024.
Reference: University of Minnesota Extension, Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management, 2024.
Reference: ASABE Standard S394.1, Soil Testing and Fertilizer Recommendations.

Reviewed by Agricalc Editorial Team — Agricultural engineers and agronomists with 10+ years of field experience. Our team verifies every calculator formula against peer-reviewed extension publications. For site-specific advice, consult your local agronomist.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Common mistakes: Ordering by weight instead of volume — soil weight varies wildly with moisture (a cu yd can weigh 1.0 tons dry vs 1.5 tons wet). Forgetting compaction — delivered soil fluffs up during transport and settles 15-25% after spreading, so order 20% extra. Using garden soil bulk density for compost — compost is much lighter, roughly half the weight per cubic yard.

References & Sources

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) — Agricultural production and nutrition guidelines
USDA NRCS — Field Office Technical Guide and conservation practice standards
Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System — crop and livestock recommendations
USDA NRCS — Soils
FAO — Soils Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic yards are in a dump truck load? ▼

A standard full-size dump truck carries 10-15 cubic yards of topsoil. Smaller single-axle trucks carry 3-6 cu yd. Weight limits may reduce the volume for heavy materials like wet clay or sand.

What bulk density should I use for different materials? ▼

Topsoil: 75-90 lb/cu ft (1.2-1.45 g/cm³). Compost: 50-65 lb/cu ft. Sand: 90-100 lb/cu ft. Clay soil: 80-100 lb/cu ft. Peat moss: 20-30 lb/cu ft. When in doubt, 80 lb/cu ft is a safe average for mixed topsoil.

How much soil settles after delivery? ▼

Loose, delivered soil typically settles 15-25% after spreading and watering. For a 6-inch finished depth, order enough for 7-8 inches loose depth. Tamping or rolling after filling further reduces volume by 5-10%.

What units does the Soil Volume Calculator use? ▼

Length/width in feet, depth in inches, bulk density in lb/cu ft. Results in cu ft, cu yd, soil weight in lb and tons, and area in sq ft.

How do I use the Soil Volume Calculator correctly? ▼

Start by gathering accurate input values from your farm records or measurements. Enter each value in the specified units, then click Calculate. Review all results carefully — cross-check the primary output against your own experience or extension recommendations. For best results, use actual measured values rather than estimates, and recalibrate whenever conditions change.