Converting Square Feet to Yards of Soil: A Simple Guide to Soil Conversion Measurements

When tackling landscaping or gardening projects, calculating how much soil you need is essential. However, measurements can often be listed in square feet, while soil is typically sold by the cubic yard. Understanding how to convert square feet to yards of soil ensures accurate planning and budgeting for your project.

Step 1: Calculate the Area in Square Feet

Begin by determining the size of the area where you'll add soil. For example, if your flower bed is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, the area is 10 x 5 = 50 square feet.

Step 2: Decide the Soil Depth

Soil is usually added at a depth measured in inches. For planting beds, 6 inches (or 0.5 feet) of soil is common. Always convert inches to feet for calculations. (6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet).

Step 3: Calculate Cubic Feet Needed

Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet.

For our example: 50 sq ft x 0.5 ft = 25 cubic feet.

Step 4: Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards

Since soil is sold by the cubic yard, convert cubic feet to yards. There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.

25 cubic feet ÷ 27 = approximately 0.93 cubic yards.

A design professional like myself always recommends overestimating slightly to account for settling and compaction. For larger garden or landscape projects, digital tools like a 3D Floor Planner can help visualize the outcome and calculate material requirements more accurately, giving you both creative freedom and technical precision.

Tips 1:

Measure the area accurately and check for any uneven ground, as this will affect how much soil you need. Always round up your soil order—running short mid-project is inconvenient and can delay work. Using colored flags or chalk helps visualize your planned soil addition before you purchase.

FAQ

Q: How many cubic yards of soil do I need for 100 square feet at 6 inches deep?

A: 100 sq ft x 0.5 ft (6 inches) = 50 cubic feet, then 50 / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards (round up to 2).

Q: Can I use online calculators for this conversion?

A: Yes, but double-check your area and intended depth; these are common sources of error.

Q: Why is soil sold by the cubic yard?

A: The cubic yard is a standard volume measurement in landscaping and construction.

Q: What if my project area is an irregular shape?

A: Break it down into smaller rectangles or triangles, calculate each area, and sum them up.

Q: Will compacted soil yield less depth than loose soil?

A: Yes. Soil settles after installation, so order about 10% more than your calculation suggests.