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Formula

The volume of topsoil, compost, or fill dirt needed for a lawn or garden bed is calculated as:

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

Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12

Where:

• Length (l) – the length of the area in feet
• Width (w) – the width of the area in feet
• Depth (d) – the desired depth of material in inches

The divisor 324 converts cubic feet to cubic yards (27 ft³ per yd³) after first converting inches to feet (12 in per ft). The divisor 12 directly gives cubic feet.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (length = 40 ft, width = 25 ft, depth = 3 in):

1. Convert depth to feet: 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
2. Calculate volume in cubic feet: 40 × 25 × 0.25 = 250 ft³
3. Convert to cubic yards: 250 ÷ 27 = 9.26 yd³

The calculator shows 9.26 yd³ (rounded to 2 decimals) and 250 ft³, matching the example.

When to Use This Calculator

Use this calculator when you need to order soil, mulch, gravel, or other bulk materials for a rectangular area. It works for garden beds, raised beds, lawn topdressing, or filling a planter. Enter the length and width of the area in feet, and the depth you want to fill in inches. The result tells you how many cubic yards to order, which is how most landscaping suppliers sell bulk material.

For circular areas, measure the radius (half the diameter) and use the formula: π × r² × depth. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles and add the volumes together.

How to Read the Results

The first result, in cubic yards, is the number you will typically use when ordering from a supplier. The second result, in cubic feet, is useful for smaller projects or when buying bagged material (common bag sizes are 1.5 ft³, 2 ft³, and 3 ft³). If you are buying bags, divide the total cubic feet by the bag size and round up to the nearest whole bag.

Remember that soil settles after watering and time. Adding 10–15% extra is a common practice to account for compaction, but check with your supplier for specific recommendations.

Common Mistakes

• Mixing units: Ensure length and width are in feet and depth is in inches. If you measure depth in feet, use 27 as the divisor (ft³ ÷ 27).
• Confusing cubic feet and cubic yards: A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, not 3. A common error is dividing by 3 instead of 27.
• Rounding too early: Keep full precision during calculations and round only at the end.
• Forgetting compaction: Fresh soil can settle, so you may need more than the calculated volume.

Limitations of the Formula

This formula assumes a flat, rectangular area with uniform depth. It does not account for slopes, irregular shapes, or compression. For large projects, it is wise to have a professional measure the area, especially if you are ordering a full truckload. Also, suppliers may have minimum order quantities or deliver in increments of whole cubic yards, so you may need to round up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet). This is why the calculator divides by 27 after converting to cubic feet.

How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?

For a new lawn from seed, a depth of 4–6 inches of topsoil is typical. For overseeding an existing lawn, 1–2 inches is often enough. The calculator’s default of 3 inches works for many garden beds and light topdressing.

Should I buy soil by the bag or by the cubic yard?

For small areas (less than about 10 cubic feet), bags are convenient and easy to transport. For larger areas, buying bulk by the cubic yard is usually more cost-effective and reduces plastic waste. Use the cubic feet result to estimate how many bags you need.

How much does a cubic yard of soil weigh?

Weight varies with moisture and composition, but dry topsoil typically weighs about 2,000–2,700 pounds per cubic yard. Wet soil can be significantly heavier. If you are concerned about weight limits for a truck or trailer, check with your supplier.

Will the soil settle after I spread it?

Yes, most soil settles, especially after rain or watering. It is common to add 10–15% extra volume to account for compaction, or to plan on adding more later. Watering deeply after spreading helps settle the soil naturally.

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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