1. What Is This Calculator For?

This calculator helps determine how much soil you need to cover a specific area to a desired depth, measured in cubic yards - the standard measurement used by landscaping and gardening suppliers.

2. How Does The Calculation Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Area \) — The size of the space to be covered in square feet
• \( Depth \) — How deep you want the soil layer to be in feet
• 27 — The number of cubic feet in a cubic yard (3ft × 3ft × 3ft)

Explanation: The formula converts the volume from cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27.

3. Why Calculate Soil Volume?

Details: Accurate soil calculation helps you purchase the right amount of material, avoiding costly over-ordering or frustrating under-ordering for your gardening or landscaping project.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Measure your area accurately in square feet. For irregular shapes, divide into rectangles and calculate each separately. Common depth recommendations: 6-12 inches for gardens (convert to feet: 0.5-1 ft).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure my area?
A: For rectangular areas: length × width. For circles: π × radius². For complex shapes, break into simple shapes and add the areas together.

Q2: What if I want the depth in inches?
A: Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12 (e.g., 6 inches = 0.5 feet) before entering the value.

Q3: How much is a cubic yard visually?
A: About the size of a standard washing machine or 27 cubic feet (3ft × 3ft × 3ft).

Q4: Should I order extra soil?
A: It's common to order 10-15% extra to account for settling and minor calculation errors.

Q5: Does this work for other materials like mulch?
A: Yes, the same calculation works for mulch, gravel, and other bulk landscaping materials.