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Soil Calculator

Calculate soil needed for garden beds, raised beds, and landscaping projects. Professional tool with volume estimates and cost calculations trusted by gardeners.

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Calculate Soil Needed

Best for: General gardening, flower beds, vegetables

Recommended depth: 6-12 inches

Typical range: $30-$60 per yard

One-time delivery charge

Soil Types & Applications

Garden Soil

General gardening, flower beds, vegetables

Depth: 6-12 inches
Bag size: 2 ft³

Topsoil

Lawn seeding, general landscaping, base soil

Depth: 4-8 inches
Bag size: 2 ft³

Potting Soil

Container gardens, raised beds, indoor plants

Depth: 8-15 inches
Bag size: 1.5 ft³

Compost

Soil amendment, organic matter, fertilizer

Depth: 2-4 inches
Bag size: 2 ft³

Fill Dirt

Grading, leveling, foundation backfill

Depth: 6+ inches
Bag size: 2 ft³

Sand

Drainage, concrete mixing, leveling

Depth: 2-6 inches
Bag size: 2 ft³

Garden Soil Planning Guide

Depth Requirements

Grass Seed4-6 inches
Annual Flowers6-8 inches
Vegetables8-12 inches
Perennials12-18 inches
Shrubs18-24 inches

Soil Amendments

Compost Addition

Add 2-4 inches of compost to existing soil for improved nutrients and structure.

Clay Soil Fix

Mix in 2-3 inches of sand and compost to improve drainage and workability.

Sandy Soil Fix

Add compost and topsoil to increase water retention and nutrient content.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much soil do I need for a raised bed?

For a 4x8 foot raised bed that's 12 inches deep, you need about 1.2 cubic yards of soil. Always add 10% extra for settling.

What's the difference between topsoil and garden soil?

Topsoil is the natural top layer of soil, while garden soil is a blend of topsoil with compost and other amendments. Garden soil is better for planting.

Should I buy bagged or bulk soil?

Bulk soil is more economical for large projects (over 3 cubic yards). Bagged soil is convenient for small projects and raised beds.

How do I prepare the area for new soil?

Remove weeds, loosen existing soil 6 inches deep, add amendments if needed, and level the area before adding new soil.