Add each rectangular area. The suggested 10% waste value is editable and is not a universal recommendation.

How to measure topsoil

Measure length and width for each rectangular area, then enter the planned soil depth. Split irregular projects into rectangles and add their results.

The same footprint-and-depth approach, including how to split an irregular area and choose a representative depth, is covered in more detail in How to Measure a Gravel Project.

FORMULA01

Formula

Volume = length × width × depth

Bags = ceil(order volume ÷ bag volume)

Read the methodology

BAG SIZES02

Bag sizes and weight

There is no assumed bag size. Bag count appears only when you supply a positive volume in litres or cubic feet. Any weight remains an estimate tied to the visible density assumption.

Configure bag calculation

ESTIMATES03

Why weight is an estimate

Bulk density changes with moisture, organic matter, compaction, and source. Weight appears only after you choose a density or enter a custom value.

Why results are estimates

Step-by-Step Scenario

Worked example: Raised Bed Planting

10 ft × 8 ft × 6 in Bed

A standard 10 ft × 8 ft garden bed excavated to a 6 in depth (0.5 ft) yields a raw volume of 40 ft³ (1.4815 yd³). Adding an editable 10% settling and compaction buffer results in a recommended order of 1.6296 yd³.

Length

10 ft

3.05 m

Width

8 ft

2.44 m

Depth

6 in

0.5 ft / 15 cm

Order Volume

1.6296 yd³

+10% buffer

Formula Calculation

1. Net Volume:10 ft × 8 ft × 0.5 ft = 40 ft³ (1.4815 yd³)

2. +10% Allowance:40 × 1.10 = 44 ft³ (1.6296 yd³)

Practical Conversions

Real-World Equivalents

How 1.6296 yd³ translates into typical supplier purchase units:

Estimated Weight

at 2,200 lb/yd³

≈ 1.79 tons 3,585 lbs

Standard Bags (0.75 ft³)

Small retail bags

≈ 59 bags (44 ft³ total)

Large Bags (1.0 ft³)

Landscape supply bags

≈ 44 bags Retail bagged soil

Bulk scoop delivery is typically 30–50% more economical than retail bags for orders exceeding 1.5 yd³.

Bulk topsoil vs bagged topsoil

For a garden bed, raised bed, or lawn, calculate soil volume first. The cubic-yard or cubic-metre result is the common starting point for bulk orders; bag count and estimated weight are alternative purchasing views derived from that same volume.

Bulk delivery

Use the cubic-yard or cubic-metre result when a supplier quotes by volume. If it quotes by weight, select a sourced density or enter the supplier’s product density and treat the result as an estimate.

Bagged Soil

Enable bag count and enter the exact volume printed on the package. The calculator rounds up to a whole bag; shortcut sizes are editable convenience values, not claims about every product.

Compare local availability, delivery limits, and product specifications directly. Formulexa does not assume a price or currency for this global calculator.

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