.soil-volume-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 10px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container h2 {
text-align: center;
color: #333;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 28px;
font-weight: 600;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .input-group {
margin-bottom: 18px;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container label {
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #555;
font-size: 16px;
font-weight: 500;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container input[type="number"],
.soil-volume-calculator-container select {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container input[type="number"]:focus,
.soil-volume-calculator-container select:focus {
border-color: #007bff;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(0, 123, 255, 0.25);
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container button {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 14px 20px;
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 600;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
transform: translateY(-1px);
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .result-section {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #e9f7ef;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
border-radius: 8px;
text-align: center;
font-size: 18px;
color: #155724;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .result-section p {
margin: 8px 0;
font-weight: 500;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .result-section strong {
color: #0f3d1a;
font-weight: 700;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .error-message {
color: #dc3545;
font-size: 15px;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .calculator-article {
margin-top: 40px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
color: #444;
line-height: 1.7;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .calculator-article h3 {
color: #333;
font-size: 22px;
margin-top: 25px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-weight: 600;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .calculator-article p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .calculator-article ul {
list-style-type: disc;
margin-left: 20px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.soil-volume-calculator-container .calculator-article li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
function calculateSoilVolume() {
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('soilLength').value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('soilWidth').value);
var depth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('soilDepth').value);
var unit = document.getElementById('unitSelect').value;
var errorMessageDiv = document.getElementById('errorMessage');
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('soilVolumeResult');
errorMessageDiv.style.display = 'none';
resultDiv.style.display = 'none';
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(depth) || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || depth <= 0) {
errorMessageDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all dimensions.';
errorMessageDiv.style.display = 'block';
return;
}
var lengthFeet, widthFeet, depthFeet;
// Convert all inputs to feet for consistent calculation
switch (unit) {
case 'feet':
lengthFeet = length;
widthFeet = width;
depthFeet = depth;
break;
case 'inches':
lengthFeet = length / 12;
widthFeet = width / 12;
depthFeet = depth / 12;
break;
case 'meters':
lengthFeet = length * 3.28084; // 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
widthFeet = width * 3.28084;
depthFeet = depth * 3.28084;
break;
case 'centimeters':
lengthFeet = length / 30.48; // 1 foot = 30.48 cm
widthFeet = width / 30.48;
depthFeet = depth / 30.48;
break;
default:
errorMessageDiv.innerHTML = 'Invalid unit selected.';
errorMessageDiv.style.display = 'block';
return;
}
var volumeCubicFeet = lengthFeet * widthFeet * depthFeet;
var volumeCubicYards = volumeCubicFeet / 27; // 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
var volumeCubicMeters = volumeCubicFeet / 35.3147; // 1 cubic meter = 35.3147 cubic feet
document.getElementById('resultCubicFeet').innerHTML = volumeCubicFeet.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resultCubicYards').innerHTML = volumeCubicYards.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resultCubicMeters').innerHTML = volumeCubicMeters.toFixed(2);
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
}
Soil Volume Calculator
Feet
Inches
Meters
Centimeters
You will need approximately:
0 Cubic Feet
0 Cubic Yards
0 Cubic Meters
Understanding Soil Volume for Your Projects
Whether you're planning a new garden bed, filling a raised planter, or leveling a section of your yard, accurately calculating the amount of soil you need is crucial. Over-ordering can lead to wasted material and money, while under-ordering means delays and extra trips to the supplier. Our Soil Volume Calculator simplifies this process, helping you get the right amount every time.
How to Use the Soil Volume Calculator
- Measure Length: Determine the length of the area you need to fill with soil. For irregular shapes, try to approximate the average length.
- Measure Width: Measure the width of the area. Again, for irregular shapes, use an average width.
- Determine Desired Depth: Decide how deep you want the soil to be. This will vary based on your project (e.g., 6 inches for a shallow flower bed, 12-24 inches for a deep raised vegetable bed).
- Select Units: Choose the unit of measurement you used for your length, width, and depth (feet, inches, meters, or centimeters).
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Soil Volume" button to instantly see the required volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters.
Why Cubic Yards are Important for Soil
When purchasing soil in bulk, it's most commonly sold by the cubic yard. A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to the volume of a cube with sides one yard (3 feet) in length. This means 1 cubic yard = 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. Our calculator provides the volume in cubic yards to make your ordering process straightforward.
Tips for Accurate Measurement and Ordering
- Account for Settling: Soil, especially loose topsoil or compost, will settle over time. It's often wise to order 5-10% more than your calculated volume to compensate for this.
- Irregular Shapes: For areas that aren't perfect rectangles, break them down into smaller, measurable sections, calculate the volume for each, and then add them together. Alternatively, you can estimate average length and width.
- Consider Soil Type: Different soil types have different densities. While the volume calculation remains the same, the weight will vary. This calculator focuses purely on volume.
- Common Depths:
- Topdressing Lawns: 0.25 – 0.5 inches
- New Lawns (over existing soil): 4 – 6 inches
- Flower Beds: 6 – 12 inches
- Raised Vegetable Beds: 12 – 24 inches
Types of Soil and Their Uses
Understanding the different types of soil available can help you make an informed decision for your project:
- Topsoil: The uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter. Ideal for general landscaping, filling, and improving existing garden beds.
- Garden Soil: Often a blend of topsoil, compost, and other amendments, specifically formulated for planting flowers, vegetables, and shrubs.
- Compost: Decomposed organic material, excellent for enriching existing soil, improving drainage, and providing nutrients.
- Potting Mix: Lighter and more sterile, designed for containers and raised beds where good drainage is essential.
By using this calculator and following these tips, you can ensure your landscaping and gardening projects have the perfect foundation of soil.