Soil
Garden Soil Calculator
Calculate garden soil needed for new beds, planting holes, and vegetable gardens.
Inputs
Live estimate
Material needed
10.19 cu yd
- Area
- 500 sq ft
- Cubic feet
- 250
- Cubic yards
- 9.26
- Estimated tons
- 10.19
- Estimated truckloads
- 1.02
- Material cost
- $509
- Total cost
- $509
Diagram
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How it's calculated
Area is derived from your shape inputs and converted to sq ft.
Depth is converted to feet; cubic feet = area × depth.
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27, then × (1 + waste %) × (1 + compaction %).
Estimated tons = cubic yards (with waste) × 1.
Truckloads = cubic yards (with waste) ÷ truck capacity.
Total cost = cubic yards (with waste) × price per cubic yard + delivery.
Professional guidance
When to use garden soil
Filling planting beds, planting holes, and topping vegetable gardens. It's richer than topsoil.
Recommended depth
6 inches for annuals and perennials; 12 inches for vegetables; 18+ inches for root crops.
Pro tip
Amend on delivery — mix in compost before spreading. Save labor by ordering a pre-blended mix.
Common mistakes
Confusing garden soil with topsoil or fill dirt. Garden soil is amended and screened; fill dirt is not.
Material assumptions
- Garden soil density: about 1.0 tons per cubic yard.
- Depth: 6 inches minimum for beds; 12+ inches for vegetables.
- Amend with 25–30% compost for new beds.
Frequently asked questions
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Related calculators
These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.