sodcalculator

10 Tech How-To

DB2 vs SQL Server: Key Differences Explained

Tag 10-17537 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Volume 9.26 yd³
Volume
250.0 ft³
Result
Lawn length
40 ft
You entered
Lawn width
25 ft
You entered
You enter
Lawn length, Lawn width, Depth
You get
Volume, Volume
Rounding
2 dp · 1 dp

IBM Db2 and Microsoft SQL Server are both enterprise-grade relational database management systems (RDBMS), but they differ significantly in licensing, platform support, SQL syntax, and administration tools. The most direct difference is that Db2 is designed to run on multiple operating systems (Linux, Unix, Windows, and mainframe z/OS) while SQL Server historically runs only on Windows, though Microsoft added Linux support starting with SQL Server 2017.

Formula

The calculator above computes the volume of soil needed to fill a rectangular area to a specified depth. The formula is:

Volume (yd³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324

Where:

  • Length – the longer side of the rectangle in feet
  • Width – the shorter side in feet
  • Depth – how deep you want the soil layer in inches
  • 324 – the conversion factor: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, and 1 foot = 12 inches, so 27 × 12 = 324

The second output, cubic feet, uses the simpler formula: Length × Width × Depth (in inches) ÷ 12, because each inch of depth over one square foot is 1/12 of a cubic foot.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator:

  • Length = 40 ft
  • Width = 25 ft
  • Depth = 3 in

First, calculate the area in square feet: 40 × 25 = 1000 ft².

Now convert depth to feet: 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.

Volume in cubic feet = 1000 × 0.25 = 250 ft³.

To get cubic yards, divide by 27: 250 ÷ 27 = 9.26 yd³.

The calculator’s formula gives the same result: 40 × 25 × 3 ÷ 324 = 3000 ÷ 324 = 9.26 yd³. So you need about 9.3 cubic yards of soil.

When to Use This Calculator

Use this calculator when you need to order soil, mulch, compost, or any bulk material sold by the cubic yard. Typical projects include:

  • Filling a new garden bed
  • Leveling a lawn area
  • Adding topsoil before seeding or laying sod
  • Calculating how much gravel or sand for a patio base

For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together.

How to Read the Results

The first number (cubic yards) is what you’ll order. Most bulk suppliers deliver in whole or half yards, so round up to the nearest half yard. The cubic feet number is handy if you’re buying bagged soil (usually 1–2 cubic feet per bag).

For example, with 9.26 yd³, you’d order 9.5 or 10 yards from a bulk supplier. If buying 1.5-cubic-foot bags, you’d need 250 ÷ 1.5 ≈ 167 bags.

Common Mistakes

  • Mixing units: Ensure length and width are in feet, depth in inches. If you measure in meters, convert first.
  • Forgetting compaction: Soil settles after watering. Add 10–15% extra if you need the final level to be exact.
  • Rounding too early: Keep decimals until the end, then round up.
  • Ignoring the 324 factor: Some people divide by 27 only, forgetting the inch-to-foot conversion.

Limitations of the Formula

This formula assumes a perfectly rectangular prism with straight sides. Real-world beds often have sloped sides, which require more soil. It also doesn’t account for existing material – if you’re topping up a bed that’s already half full, measure only the empty depth.

For very large areas, consider using a laser level or string line to check that your depth is consistent. The formula gives an estimate; actual needs may vary by 5–10%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). This is why the conversion factor in the formula is 27 × 12 = 324.

Should I order extra soil for settling?

Yes, most organic soils compact by 10–20% after watering. Add at least 10% to your calculated volume, especially for garden beds. For sand or gravel, settling is less but still occurs.

Can I use this calculator for mulch?

Yes, the same formula works for any bulk material sold by volume, including mulch, compost, and decorative stone. Just be aware that mulch is often sold in “cubic yards” and the density varies, but volume is volume.

How do I measure an irregularly shaped area?

Break the area into rectangles, triangles, or circles. For a triangle, use (base × height ÷ 2) for the area. For a circle, use π × radius². Then multiply by depth and convert to cubic yards.

What if I want the result in liters or kilograms?

Convert cubic yards to liters: 1 yd³ = 764.6 liters. For weight, multiply the volume in cubic feet by the material’s density (e.g., dry topsoil ≈ 75–100 lb/ft³, compost ≈ 40–60 lb/ft³). Check with your supplier for exact bulk density.

Related

Formula used
in l | Lawn length | ft | 40 | 0 | 100000
in w | Lawn width | ft | 25 | 0 | 100000
in d | Depth | in | 3 | 0 | 120
out yd | Volume | yd³ | l * w * d / 324 | 2
out ft3 | Volume | ft³ | l * w * d / 12 | 1

Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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