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Calculate exactly how much dirt, topsoil, or mulch you need in cubic yards and bags for raised beds, gardens, and landscaping.
Last updated: February 24, 2026
Adding stone or gravel instead? Use the Gravel Calculator
Standard flower beds require 6-8 inches. Top-dressing lawns requires 0.5-1 inch.
Cubic Yards
0.62
yd³Cubic Feet
16.7
ft³23 Bags
(0.75 cubic ft size)
$114.77
Est. Cost
1 Yards Bulk
To nearest yard
$35.00
Est. Cost
A soil calculator estimates how much topsoil, fill dirt, compost, or mulch you need for a landscape project by converting dimensions into volume. It matters because soil is usually sold in cubic yards, while homeowners measure in feet and inches. Accurate volume planning reduces overbuying, avoids extra delivery fees, and prevents unfinished beds from running short mid-install.
Soil volume is based on geometric volume. For rectangular beds, this is the core formula:
Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
Volume (cubic yards) = Cubic Feet / 27
Bags Needed = Cubic Feet / Bag Size (cu ft)
Measured in feet for total surface area coverage.
Often measured in inches, then divided by 12 to convert to feet.
27 cubic feet equals 1 cubic yard, the standard bulk supplier unit.
Plan exact soil mix volume for vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Estimate compost/topsoil spread at shallow depths for turf recovery.
Calculate mulch and fill dirt for border beds, trees, and slopes.
Bed: 12 ft x 4 ft x 10 in depth
Depth in ft: 10 / 12 = 0.83
Volume: 12 x 4 x 0.83 = 39.8 cu ft
Bulk: 1.47 yd3 | Bags (0.75): 54
Area: 1,200 sq ft at 0.5 in depth
Depth in ft: 0.5 / 12 = 0.0417
Volume: 1,200 x 0.0417 = 50 cu ft
Bulk: 1.85 yd3 | Bags (1.0): 50
Area: 300 sq ft at 3 in depth
Depth in ft: 3 / 12 = 0.25
Volume: 300 x 0.25 = 75 cu ft
Bulk: 2.78 yd3 | Bags (2.0): 38
This comparison table helps you choose bagged vs bulk delivery based on project size and budget efficiency.
| Project Volume | Approx. Bag Count (0.75 cu ft) | Bulk Yardage | Best Buying Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 cu ft | Up to 14 bags | 0.37 yd3 | Bagged soil is usually easiest |
| 10 to 30 cu ft | 14 to 40 bags | 0.37 to 1.11 yd3 | Compare local delivery fee vs bag pricing |
| 30 to 60 cu ft | 40 to 80 bags | 1.11 to 2.22 yd3 | Bulk is usually more economical |
| 60+ cu ft | 80+ bags | 2.22+ yd3 | Bulk delivery strongly recommended |
All landscape suppliers deal in cubic yards. Because a yard is 3 feet long, one cubic yard contains exactly 27 cubic feet (3x3x3). If you measure your garden in feet, just divide the total cubic feet by 27 to find out how many yards to order.
If you need a single 10ft x 4ft x 1ft deep raised bed filled, you need 40 cubic feet of soil. At big-box store sizes (0.75 cu ft per bag), you would literally have to rip open 54 heavy plastic bags to fill one standard garden bed.
High-quality potting soil bags are expensive—often $3-$6 each. Buying enough to match 1 yard can cost $150-$200. Conversely, a local supplier will sell a cubic yard of premium mixed garden soil for $35-$50. Even with a $50 delivery fee, bulk wins rapidly.
Are you planning a community garden or helping a neighbor? Send them this soil estimator so nobody overbuys bags at the store.