Dirt Calculator
Estimate the volume of soil, mulch, or gravel you need for your landscaping project.
Understanding Dirt Calculation
A dirt calculator is an essential tool for any landscaping, gardening, or construction project. It helps you accurately estimate the volume of material (like soil, mulch, sand, or gravel) you need for a given area. Calculating the correct amount saves you time, money, and prevents the hassle of having too much or too little material.
Key Factors Explained
- Length: The longest side of the rectangular area you are filling.
- Width: The shorter side of the rectangular area you are filling.
- Depth: How deep you want the material to be. This is often measured in inches.
Our calculator takes these measurements and converts them into cubic yards, which is the standard unit used by suppliers to sell these materials.
The Formula
The calculation is a simple three-step process:
- Convert all units: Convert all your measurements to feet. Since depth is often in inches, you divide it by 12.
- Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: `Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)`
- Convert to Cubic Yards: Since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, you divide your result by 27. `Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) / 27`
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I measure the depth for an uneven area?
If the ground is uneven, take depth measurements at several different points within the area. Add all the measurements together and then divide by the number of measurements you took to get an average depth.
What unit is topsoil usually sold in?
Topsoil, mulch, compost, sand, and gravel are most commonly sold by the cubic yard. A cubic yard is a volume of material that is 3 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep.
Should I account for material compaction?
Yes. Loose materials like soil and mulch will compact after they are spread and watered. It's a good rule of thumb to order about 5-10% extra material to account for this settling.
For a more in-depth guide, read our detailed article on this topic.