Volume of Soil Required: How to Calculate It for Any Project
Calculating the volume of soil required is one of the most important steps in any gardening, landscaping, or construction project. Whether you’re filling raised beds, preparing a new lawn, or planning a commercial landscape, knowing how much soil you need helps you avoid both shortages and waste.
How to Calculate the Volume of Soil Required
Soil volume is typically measured in cubic yards or cubic meters, depending on your location. To calculate it, you need to measure:
- Length of the area (in feet or meters)
- Width (across the area)
- Depth (how deep you want to fill with soil)
Then use the formula:
Length × Width × Depth = Volume (in cubic feet)
Cubic feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
For example, an area that’s 10 ft long × 5 ft wide × 1 ft deep = 50 cubic feet
→ 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards of soil required
Use a Soil Calculator for Fast Results
Instead of calculating manually, you can use our Topsoil Calculator to instantly estimate the volume of soil required for your project. It saves time and reduces the chance of error especially useful for large or irregular spaces.
Why Accurate Soil Volume Matters
Estimating the right volume of soil helps you:
- Avoid extra costs from ordering too much
- Prevent delays due to ordering too little
- Ensure proper root growth for your plants
- Achieve uniform soil coverage across your garden or site
Bonus Tip: Add Extra for Settling
Soil tends to settle over time, especially after watering or rain. It’s a good idea to add an extra 5–10% to your total volume to compensate for settling and compaction.
FAQs
1. How do I calculate the volume of soil required?
Multiply the area’s length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet. Then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
2. Why is soil volume measured in cubic yards?
Because soil is a bulk material, it’s sold by volume, not weight. Cubic yards give a standard, consistent measurement.
3. Can I use a tool to estimate soil volume?
Yes! Our Topsoil Calculator makes it fast and easy to find out exactly how much soil you need for your space.
4. How much soil do I need for a 4×8 raised bed?
If your bed is 4 ft wide, 8 ft long, and 1 ft deep:
4 × 8 × 1 = 32 cubic feet → 32 ÷ 27 = 1.18 cubic yards.
5. Should I order extra soil to be safe?
Yes, it’s smart to order 5–10% extra to account for settling, compaction, or small measurement errors.