Soil Calculator
Calculate the perfect amount of soil for your garden project. Whether you're filling raised beds or topdressing your lawn, get accurate estimates instantly.
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Soil Calculator Guide
Getting the right amount of soil is crucial for successful gardening. Too little leaves plants struggling, while too much wastes money. Our calculator helps you get it just right.
How Much Does Soil Weigh?
A standard 2 cubic foot bag of dry potting soil weighs about 40–50 pounds (18–23 kg). Denser materials weigh far more — dry topsoil runs roughly 75–80 lbs per cubic foot. Use the table below for quick planning estimates by soil type.
| Soil type | 1 cubic foot | 2 cu ft bag | 1 cubic yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potting soil (dry) | 20–25 lbs (9–11 kg) | 40–50 lbs (18–23 kg) | 540–680 lbs (245–310 kg) |
| Topsoil (dry) | 75–80 lbs (34–36 kg) | 150–160 lbs (68–73 kg) | 2,000–2,150 lbs (900–975 kg) |
| Topsoil (wet) | 100–110 lbs (45–50 kg) | 200–220 lbs (90–100 kg) | 2,700–3,000 lbs (1,225–1,360 kg) |
| Garden soil / compost blend | 30–40 lbs (14–18 kg) | 60–80 lbs (27–36 kg) | 800–1,100 lbs (365–500 kg) |
| Wood mulch (dry) | 15–20 lbs (7–9 kg) | 30–40 lbs (14–18 kg) | 400–550 lbs (180–250 kg) |
Weights are typical planning averages. Moisture is the biggest variable — saturated soil can weigh 50% or more above its dry weight — and bagged products vary by brand and mix. Check the bag label or ask your supplier for exact weights.
Recommended Soil Depths
- Raised Beds: 8-12 inches minimum (20-30 cm) | 12-18 inches ideal (30-45 cm)
- New Lawn: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of quality topsoil
- Topdressing Lawn: 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6-1.3 cm)
- Vegetable Gardens: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
- Flower Beds: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Choosing the Right Soil
- Topsoil: Basic soil for filling and grading
- Garden Soil: Enhanced with compost for planting
- Potting Mix: Lightweight mix for containers
- Compost: Soil amendment to improve quality
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy in bulk for large projects (usually cheaper than bags)
- Mix topsoil with compost instead of buying premium blends
- Check for local soil delivery to save on transportation
- Consider soil testing before purchasing amendments
Coverage Reference
- 1 cubic yard covers approximately 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep
- 1 cubic meter covers approximately 10 sq m at 10 cm deep
- 40 lb bag covers about 0.75 cubic feet (varies by soil density)
- 25L bag covers about 0.025 cubic meters
Common Bag Sizes
- Imperial: 20 lb, 40 lb, and 50 lb bags
- Metric: 20L, 25L, 30L, and 50L bags
Garden questions, answered
Common questions before you buy materials
Use these quick answers alongside the calculator so you can plan the right amount, avoid waste, and keep your garden project moving.
- How much soil do I need for a raised garden bed?
- Measure the bed length, width, and depth, then calculate volume. A 4 by 8 foot bed filled 12 inches deep needs about 32 cubic feet, or about 1.19 cubic yards, before settling.
- Should I buy soil in bags or by the cubic yard?
- Bagged soil is convenient for small planters and short trips. Bulk soil is usually more affordable for raised beds, new borders, and larger garden projects.
- How much extra soil should I allow for settling?
- Add about 10% extra soil for most new beds because loose soil settles after watering. Very fluffy compost-heavy mixes may settle more during the first few weeks.