How do I calculate how much soil I need?

Multiply the project length by width to get square feet, multiply by soil depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add 5% to 15% extra for settling, edges, and uneven ground.

How many bags of soil are in a cubic yard?

One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. If each bag is 1.5 cubic feet, one cubic yard needs 18 bags before waste. If each bag is 2 cubic feet, one cubic yard needs about 14 bags.

How deep should soil be for a raised garden bed?

Most raised garden beds use 10 to 12 inches of soil for vegetables and herbs. Shallow flowers may need less, while deep-rooted crops can need 18 inches or more.

Is bulk soil cheaper than bagged soil?

Bulk soil is often cheaper for projects above 1 to 2 cubic yards, especially if delivery is reasonable. Bagged soil is simpler for small beds, balconies, and tight access areas.

How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?

A cubic yard of screened topsoil often weighs around 2,000 to 2,400 pounds depending on moisture and composition. Wet soil can be much heavier, so confirm hauling limits before pickup.

Garden bed soil estimator

Free Soil Calculator

A soil calculator estimates how much soil you need from project length, width, depth, waste, bag size, and local pricing. Use it to compare cubic yards, bag counts, bulk delivery cost, bagged soil cost, and approximate hauling weight before you order.

Project details

Length

Width

Soil depth

Soil typeWaste allowance

Bag size

cu ft

Price per bag

Bulk price

$/ cu yd

Raised beds

Use deeper soil for vegetable beds and leave space below the rim for mulch, watering, and seasonal settling.

Lawn repair

Topdressing usually needs a shallow layer. Keep depth low so existing grass can grow through the new soil.

Delivery planning

Bulk soil can be heavy. Check driveway access, drop-zone clearance, and wheelbarrow distance before ordering.

Soil calculator FAQ

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