Soil Calculator
Instantly calculate the exact amount of soil you need in cubic yards and bags. Save money and time by buying the perfect amount for your raised beds and gardens.
Was this calculator helpful?
How to Calculate Soil
Measure the Area
Find the length and width of your garden bed. If it's a circle, measure straight across the middle (diameter).
Choose the Depth
Decide how thick you want the soil. 3 inches is the sweet spot for amending most flower beds and gardens.
Get Your Results
Enter the numbers above. We'll tell you exactly how many bags or cubic yards to buy, saving you multiple trips.
(Sq Ft Area × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
To find cubic yards manually, you first find your square footage (Length × Width in feet). Since a cubic yard is a 3D measurement (27 cubic feet), you multiply your square footage by your depth in feet (inches divided by 12), and then divide by 27. The shortcut is dividing by 324!
Everything You Need to Know About Buying Soil
Why Should You Add Fresh Soil?
Adding fresh topsoil or compost improves nutrient density and drainage in your garden. Over time, plants deplete organic matter, and soil can become compacted. Adding a fresh layer revitalizes the ground, leading to healthier root systems and larger blooms.
How to Measure Your Garden Bed
For rectangular beds, measure the length and width in feet. For circular beds, measure straight across the middle (the diameter). For irregular shapes, break the bed into smaller sections and use our calculator's "Multiple Areas" tab.
Bags vs. Bulk (Cubic Yards)
It takes 27 standard (1 cu. ft.) or 13.5 (2 cu. ft.) bags to equal one cubic yard. If you need more than 3 cubic yards, scheduling a bulk delivery is almost always cheaper. Bags are best for small touch-ups or tight backyard spaces.
Filling Raised Beds
When filling deep raised beds, consider using the Hügelkultur method or filling the bottom with logs, branches, and organic debris to save money on bulk soil. You generally only need 8 to 12 inches of high-quality topsoil at the surface for optimal growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 27 bags (1 cubic foot bags) or 13.5 bags (2 cubic foot bags) in one cubic yard. If you are buying large 3 cubic foot bags, it takes 9 bags to equal one yard.
At a standard amendment depth of 3 inches, one cubic yard of soil covers exactly 108 square feet.
For amending most flower beds and gardens, a depth of 3 inches is ideal. If you are just applying a top-dressing to an existing lawn, 1 to 2 inches is sufficient. Raised beds may require 6 to 12 inches.
Bulk soil (sold by the cubic yard) is almost always cheaper per unit of volume than bagged soil. However, you must factor in delivery fees. Usually, if you need more than 3 cubic yards, bulk delivery is the most cost-effective route.
Gardens naturally settle and deplete nutrients as plants grow. It is typically recommended to top-dress your beds with an inch or two of fresh compost or topsoil annually, usually in early spring.
What Users Say
See how others are using our soil calculator for their landscaping projects.
Super quick and easy. Confirmed exactly how many bags I needed for my raised beds so much time saved at the hardware store!
I love using this for my client's gardens. The multiple areas tab is a fantastic feature when calculating complex yard layouts.
Nice design. The cost estimation calculation was a fun extra touch I wasn't expecting but really appreciated.
This was incredibly accurate! It calculated my cubic yardage exactly right for a bulk delivery order.
A sleek and simple tool. Perfect for diving into the basics of garden prep instantly before heading to the store.
Love the modern look! Getting the visual depth guide alongside the numbers makes it the ultimate tool.
More Lawn & Garden Calculators
Ready to start your landscaping project?
Stop guessing and start saving time.
Explore more calculators