Soil calculator

Calculator result and formula

Bulk soil order: 2.5 yd³

Formula: Bed length × width × depth ÷ 27 × (1 + waste)

Formula ID: LAND-SOIL-001 · Version 1.0.0 · Published · Last reviewed Aug 26, 2026.

Inputs

• Bed length: Finished landscape bed length Default: 12.
• Bed width: Average finished bed width Default: 10.
• Soil depth: Finished installed depth Default: 6.
• Waste factor: Allowance for settling and grading variation Default: 10.

How this calculator works

This calculator turns a landscape bed's finished dimensions into a transparent bulk-soil volume with a visible settling and grading allowance.

1. Measure the finished bed length and average width.
2. Enter the desired installed soil depth rather than loose delivery depth.
3. Apply an allowance for settling, grading and irregular geometry before requesting supplier pricing.

Worked example: Example: a 12 ft × 10 ft bed at 6 in depth contains about 2.22 yd³ of net soil. With a 10% allowance, the order rounds to 2.5 yd³.

Assumptions and limitations

• Landscape bed geometry is treated as rectangular using average width.
• Soil depth represents finished installed depth.
• Bulk order is rounded to the next 0.1 yd³ after allowance.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Confirm the measurement basis and units before using the result.
• Keep waste or allowance visible and adjust it for the actual job conditions.
• Confirm supplier packaging, delivery increments, specifications, and final site requirements before ordering.

Calculator disclaimer

This planning calculator does not determine structural design, code compliance, installation requirements, or guaranteed pricing. Confirm final requirements with the appropriate responsible professional, authority, manufacturer, and supplier.

Formula review and sources

Internal QA complete · independent external review pending · Formula assumptions documented.

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