So, you’re asking, “How much area will a yard of dirt cover?” and “How much dirt needed?” You might also wonder, “Yard of soil covers how many square feet?” Here is the simple answer: A cubic yard of dirt covers a specific area in square feet, but this area depends completely on how deep you spread the dirt. If you spread it very thin, it covers a large area. If you spread it thick, it covers a smaller area. The key is knowing the depth you need for your project.
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Image Source: www.thespruce.com
What is a Cubic Yard?
Think of dirt by the truckload. When you buy dirt, mulch, or gravel for big projects, it often comes in cubic yards.
A yard here does not mean 3 feet in a line. It means a cubic yard.
A cubic yard is a measure of volume. It is like a box that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall.
Imagine a box with these sizes:
* Length: 3 feet
* Width: 3 feet
* Height: 3 feet
The volume of this box is 3 feet * 3 feet * 3 feet.
That equals 27 cubic feet.
So, one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet of material. This is the standard amount you get when you order “a yard of dirt.”
How Depth Changes Coverage
The main question is “how much area will a yard of dirt cover?”. This really means: how many square feet can 27 cubic feet of dirt spread over?
The number of square feet depends on the depth you spread the dirt.
Think about spreading butter on toast.
If you spread it thin, one pat covers a lot of toast.
If you spread it thick, one pat covers only a little toast.
Dirt works the same way.
The volume of a box or a spread-out area is always Length × Width × Depth.
For dirt spread on the ground, Length × Width is the area in square feet.
So, Volume = Area × Depth.
We know the volume is 27 cubic feet (one cubic yard).
27 cubic feet = Area (in square feet) × Depth (in feet).
To find the area, we can switch the formula around:
Area (in square feet) = 27 cubic feet / Depth (in feet).
This is the core idea for finding the square feet per cubic yard.
Getting the Right Depth
Before you can figure out cubic yard coverage, you need to know the depth of dirt needed. Different projects need different depths.
Here are some common project types and the typical depth of dirt they require:
- Adding nutrients or leveling a lawn: Maybe 1/2 inch to 1 inch of top dressing.
- Starting a new lawn from seed: Often needs 3-4 inches of good topsoil.
- Creating a new garden bed: Can need 6 inches to 12 inches (1 foot) or more of soil.
- Filling a raised garden bed: Might need 8 inches, 1 foot, or even 2 feet of soil, depending on the bed height.
- Filling low spots or leveling ground: The depth varies a lot based on how deep the low spots are. It could be just a few inches or much more.
Knowing the depth is the first step in calculating soil volume.
Calculating Square Feet Per Cubic Yard
Let’s use the formula: Area = 27 cubic feet / Depth (in feet).
The depth is usually measured in inches for landscaping. So, we need to change inches to feet.
There are 12 inches in 1 foot.
To change inches to feet, you divide the number of inches by 12.
Example: 3 inches = 3 / 12 feet = 0.25 feet.
Now let’s see how many square feet a cubic yard covers at different depths.
Depth: 1 Inch
1 inch is 1/12 of a foot.
Depth in feet = 1 / 12 feet (about 0.0833 feet).
Area = 27 cubic feet / (1/12 feet)
Area = 27 * 12 square feet
Area = 324 square feet.
So, a yard of soil covers about 324 square feet when spread 1 inch deep. This tells you the square feet per cubic yard at that depth.
Depth: 2 Inches
2 inches is 2/12 of a foot, which is 1/6 of a foot.
Depth in feet = 2 / 12 feet (about 0.1667 feet).
Area = 27 cubic feet / (2/12 feet)
Area = 27 * (12/2) square feet
Area = 27 * 6 square feet
Area = 162 square feet.
A yard of soil covers about 162 square feet when spread 2 inches deep.
Depth: 3 Inches
3 inches is 3/12 of a foot, which is 1/4 of a foot.
Depth in feet = 3 / 12 feet (0.25 feet).
Area = 27 cubic feet / (3/12 feet)
Area = 27 * (12/3) square feet
Area = 27 * 4 square feet
Area = 108 square feet.
A yard of soil covers about 108 square feet when spread 3 inches deep.
Depth: 4 Inches
4 inches is 4/12 of a foot, which is 1/3 of a foot.
Depth in feet = 4 / 12 feet (about 0.3333 feet).
Area = 27 cubic feet / (4/12 feet)
Area = 27 * (12/4) square feet
Area = 27 * 3 square feet
Area = 81 square feet.
A yard of soil covers about 81 square feet when spread 4 inches deep.
Depth: 6 Inches
6 inches is 6/12 of a foot, which is 1/2 of a foot.
Depth in feet = 6 / 12 feet (0.5 feet).
Area = 27 cubic feet / (6/12 feet)
Area = 27 * (12/6) square feet
Area = 27 * 2 square feet
Area = 54 square feet.
A yard of soil covers about 54 square feet when spread 6 inches deep. This is useful for deeper garden beds.
Depth: 1 Foot (12 Inches)
1 foot is 12/12 of a foot, which is 1 foot.
Depth in feet = 12 / 12 feet (1 foot).
Area = 27 cubic feet / (1 foot)
Area = 27 square feet.
A yard of soil covers about 27 square feet when spread 1 foot deep. This makes sense, as a cubic yard is 3ft x 3ft x 3ft, and the base (3ft x 3ft) is 9 square feet. But this is for a square base. The area is the base area for the height. If the depth is 1 foot, you are covering a 27 square foot area with a 1 foot layer.
Let’s double check the math here. The formula Area = Volume / Depth is correct.
If Depth = 1 foot, Volume = 27 cubic feet.
Area = 27 cubic feet / 1 foot = 27 square feet.
Yes, this is correct. You are covering an area of 27 square feet with a layer that is 1 foot thick.
Table of Cubic Yard Coverage
Here is a table showing the soil coverage area for one cubic yard at different common depths. This table shows the square feet per cubic yard.
| Depth (Inches) | Depth (Feet) | Square Feet Covered per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 0.0417 ft | ~648 sq ft |
| 1 inch | 0.0833 ft | ~324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 0.1667 ft | ~162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 0.25 ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 0.3333 ft | ~81 sq ft |
| 5 inches | 0.4167 ft | ~65 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 0.5 ft | 54 sq ft |
| 7 inches | 0.5833 ft | ~46 sq ft |
| 8 inches | 0.6667 ft | ~40.5 sq ft |
| 9 inches | 0.75 ft | 36 sq ft |
| 10 inches | 0.8333 ft | ~32.4 sq ft |
| 11 inches | 0.9167 ft | ~29.5 sq ft |
| 12 inches (1 ft) | 1 ft | 27 sq ft |
This table is a quick way to see the cubic yard to square feet conversion for typical depths. This helps estimate how much dirt needed.
Finding Your Project Area
To figure out how much dirt you need, you first find the area you want to cover.
Measure the length and width of the space in feet.
Simple Shapes
-
Rectangle or Square: Area = Length × Width.
- Example: You want to cover a rectangular area 20 feet long and 10 feet wide.
- Area = 20 ft * 10 ft = 200 square feet.
-
Circle: Area = π (pi, about 3.14) × radius × radius. The radius is half the distance across the circle (diameter).
- Example: You want to cover a circular area 12 feet across (diameter). The radius is 6 feet.
- Area = 3.14 * 6 ft * 6 ft = 3.14 * 36 sq ft = 113.04 square feet.
Irregular Shapes
Most yards are not perfect squares or circles.
Break down irregular shapes into smaller, simple shapes (rectangles, squares, circles).
Calculate the area of each small shape.
Add the areas together to get the total area.
Or, for rough estimates, measure the longest length and the widest width. Multiply them to get a maximum area. This will give you a number that is likely larger than the real area, helping you avoid buying too little dirt.
How to Calculate How Much Dirt Needed
Now you know your area and the depth you need. You can find out how much dirt needed in cubic yards.
Use the formula: Volume (in cubic feet) = Area (in square feet) × Depth (in feet).
Then, change cubic feet to cubic yards: Volume (in cubic yards) = Volume (in cubic feet) / 27.
Let’s do an example.
Suppose you have a rectangular garden bed area that is 15 feet long and 8 feet wide. You want to fill it with 6 inches of soil.
-
Find the area:
- Area = Length × Width
- Area = 15 feet * 8 feet
- Area = 120 square feet.
-
Change depth to feet:
- Depth = 6 inches
- Depth in feet = 6 inches / 12 inches per foot
- Depth in feet = 0.5 feet.
-
Calculate the volume in cubic feet:
- Volume = Area × Depth
- Volume = 120 square feet * 0.5 feet
- Volume = 60 cubic feet.
-
Change the volume to cubic yards:
- Volume in cubic yards = Volume in cubic feet / 27 cubic feet per yard
- Volume in cubic yards = 60 / 27
- Volume in cubic yards = 2.22 cubic yards.
So, for this project, you need about 2.22 cubic yards of dirt.
You will likely need to round up when ordering dirt, as you can’t usually buy parts of a cubic yard from a supplier. You would order 2.5 cubic yards or 3 cubic yards to be safe.
Step-by-Step Calculating Soil Volume
Here’s a simple guide for calculating soil volume for your project:
- Measure the area: Measure the length and width of the space in feet. Multiply them to get the area in square feet. If the shape is not a simple rectangle, break it down or estimate.
- Decide the depth: Figure out how many inches deep you need the dirt to be.
- Change depth to feet: Divide the inches needed by 12 to get the depth in feet.
- Calculate total volume in cubic feet: Multiply the area (Step 1) by the depth in feet (Step 3). This gives you the total cubic feet needed.
- Change volume to cubic yards: Divide the total cubic feet (Step 4) by 27. This tells you the number of cubic yards you need.
- Round up: Since suppliers sell in whole or half cubic yards, round up to the nearest amount you can buy.
This process covers calculating soil volume for any size project.
Using a Landscaping Dirt Calculator
Doing the math by hand is good, but a landscaping dirt calculator or dirt coverage calculator can make it faster.
These tools usually ask for:
* The shape of your area (rectangle, circle, etc.)
* The dimensions (length, width, radius) in feet or inches.
* The depth needed in inches.
You type in the numbers, and the calculator does the cubic yard to square feet and volume math for you. It tells you how many cubic yards you need.
Many landscape supply websites have a cubic yard coverage calculator built-in. You can also find simple dirt coverage calculator tools online.
These tools are very helpful for quickly figuring out how much dirt needed without doing the division by 27 and the inch-to-foot conversions yourself. They speed up calculating soil volume.
Factors Affecting Actual Coverage
The calculations above give you a perfect world number for soil coverage area. But in reality, things can change the actual amount of dirt you need or how far a yard spreads.
Soil Type
Different types of soil have different densities and particle sizes.
* Screened topsoil: Usually pretty consistent.
* Compost: Lighter, may compact more over time.
* Sandy soil: May settle quickly.
* Heavy clay: Can be clumpy and hard to spread evenly.
Some soils might settle more after they are delivered and spread, especially after rain. This means you might need a little extra to reach your target depth later.
Compaction
When dirt is delivered, it might be somewhat loose. When you spread it, walk on it, or rain falls, the soil will settle and become more compact.
This settling reduces the volume slightly. Your 3 inches of loose dirt might become 2.75 inches after a few weeks.
It’s often a good idea to order a little bit extra (maybe 5-10%) to account for compaction and waste.
Waste and Spillage
When moving dirt from the delivery spot to your project area, you might spill some. Wheelbarrows can lose dirt, especially on bumpy ground.
Also, getting the edges perfectly even or filling small gaps can use up a little extra soil.
Uneven Ground
Your project area might not be perfectly flat to start. If you are filling low spots, you might need more dirt in some places than others. Calculating soil volume for uneven areas is harder.
If you are leveling ground, you will need more dirt for the deeper parts. Your average depth might be 3 inches, but you might need 6 inches in some spots and only 1 inch in others. The calculation based on average depth works, but having a little extra is wise.
Why Use Bulk Dirt?
Ordering dirt by the cubic yard (bulk dirt) is usually much cheaper than buying bags of soil from a garden center.
Bags are convenient for small projects or when you only need a little bit. But if you need 20 cubic feet or more, bulk is the way to go.
A typical small bag of topsoil is about 1 cubic foot.
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
So, one cubic yard is equal to about 27 small bags of soil!
Imagine buying and carrying 27 bags versus getting one truckload dumped. Bulk saves time, effort, and money for larger soil coverage area needs.
Ordering and Delivery
When you order bulk dirt:
- Find a supplier: Look for local landscape supply yards, nurseries, or gravel companies.
- Know your volume: Use your calculation (or a dirt coverage calculator) to know how many cubic yards you need. Round up.
- Ask about delivery: Most suppliers deliver. Ask about fees, minimum orders, and scheduling.
- Think about access: Where can the truck dump the dirt? Can a large dump truck get into your driveway? Is the spot clear?
- Prepare the dump spot: Lay down a tarp if you want to protect your driveway or make cleanup easier. The pile of dirt will be large! A few cubic yards makes a surprisingly big mound.
Spreading the Dirt
Once the dirt is delivered, the work begins!
- Use a shovel and wheelbarrow to move the dirt.
- Spread it roughly with a rake or shovel.
- Use a rake or a straight board (like a 2×4) to level the dirt to the depth needed. Use stakes or string lines to help get the depth right across the whole area, especially for consistent soil coverage area.
- Water the area after spreading to help the soil settle.
- You might need to add a little more dirt after it settles.
Revisiting the Main Question
So, how much area will a yard of dirt cover?
Remember, one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
The area it covers depends directly on the depth.
- At 1 inch deep, it covers about 324 square feet. (That’s the square feet per cubic yard at 1 inch).
- At 3 inches deep, it covers 108 square feet.
- At 6 inches deep, it covers 54 square feet.
- At 1 foot deep, it covers 27 square feet.
Use the formula: Area (sq ft) = 27 / (Depth in feet).
Or: Area (sq ft) = 27 / (Depth in inches / 12).
This is the core of calculating soil volume and figuring out how much dirt needed for any project size and depth.
Using a dirt coverage calculator or a landscaping dirt calculator online can simplify the math and give you the cubic yard to square feet answer quickly. Always figure out your needed depth first, measure your area carefully, and then use the formula or a tool to find your cubic yard coverage requirement.
Consider getting a little extra to be safe, maybe 10% more than your calculation, especially for larger areas or when leveling. This accounts for things like settling, uneven ground, and a little bit of waste. Getting too little dirt means stopping your project to order more, which costs more time and maybe another delivery fee. It is better to have a little extra than not enough.
Planning correctly helps your project go smoothly. Knowing exactly how much area will a yard of dirt cover for your specific needs is the key first step.
More Examples for Practice
Let’s work through a couple more scenarios to make sure calculating soil volume is clear.
Example 1: Top Dressing a Lawn
You want to add 0.5 inches of topsoil to your lawn. The lawn area is 50 feet long and 30 feet wide.
- Area: 50 ft * 30 ft = 1500 square feet.
- Depth in feet: 0.5 inches / 12 inches/ft = 0.0417 feet.
- Volume in cubic feet: 1500 sq ft * 0.0417 ft = 62.55 cubic feet.
- Volume in cubic yards: 62.55 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard = 2.31 cubic yards.
You would likely order 2.5 or 3 cubic yards for this project.
Example 2: Filling a Raised Bed
You have a round raised garden bed. It has a diameter of 6 feet. You want to fill it with 10 inches of soil.
- Area: This is a circle. The diameter is 6 feet, so the radius is 6 / 2 = 3 feet.
- Area = π * radius * radius
- Area = 3.14 * 3 ft * 3 ft
- Area = 3.14 * 9 sq ft = 28.26 square feet.
- Depth in feet: 10 inches / 12 inches/ft = 0.8333 feet.
- Volume in cubic feet: 28.26 sq ft * 0.8333 ft = 23.55 cubic feet.
- Volume in cubic yards: 23.55 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard = 0.87 cubic yards.
For this, you might order 1 cubic yard. If you are very careful, you might need less, but 1 yard is the smallest amount often sold. This shows how to find the soil coverage area needed for different shapes.
These examples use the same steps for calculating soil volume. Measure area, determine depth of dirt needed, convert depth to feet, find volume in cubic feet, then convert to cubic yards.
Using the table provided earlier (Table of Cubic Yard Coverage) can also help estimate quickly. For Example 1: 1500 sq ft at 0.5 inches. One yard covers ~648 sq ft at 0.5 inches. So you need 1500 / 648 = ~2.31 yards. This matches the formula result.
For Example 2: 28.26 sq ft at 10 inches. One yard covers ~32.4 sq ft at 10 inches. You need 28.26 / 32.4 = ~0.87 yards. This also matches.
The table helps visualize the cubic yard coverage. The formulas give you the exact calculation for square feet per cubic yard at your specific depth, and then let you calculate the total needed. Both methods work for figuring out how much dirt needed.
Remember to consider factors like settling and waste when ordering. It’s better to slightly overestimate than underestimate, especially for delivery costs.
Calculating soil volume correctly ensures you have enough material without having a huge amount left over. Knowing the square feet per cubic yard for your chosen depth is essential. Whether you use the cubic yard coverage table, the formula for cubic yard to square feet, or a landscaping dirt calculator, the steps are similar and simple once you know your area and depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about yard of soil coverage and ordering dirt.
h4 How big is a cubic yard of dirt?
A cubic yard of dirt is a volume equal to a box that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall. This is 27 cubic feet of material.
h4 How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?
The weight of a cubic yard of dirt varies greatly depending on the type of soil and its moisture content. On average, a cubic yard of dry soil can weigh between 2,000 and 2,400 pounds (1 to 1.2 tons). Wet soil weighs much more, possibly 3,000 pounds or more per cubic yard. This is why it is delivered by heavy trucks.
h4 Can I pick up a cubic yard of dirt myself?
Probably not in a regular pickup truck. Most standard half-ton pickup trucks can safely carry around 1,000 pounds. A full cubic yard of dirt weighs at least double that, even when dry. Overloading your truck is dangerous and can damage it. You might be able to pick up a half cubic yard or less, depending on your truck’s capacity and the soil’s weight. It’s usually best to get bulk dirt delivered.
h4 Is a cubic yard the same as a “scoop” from a landscape yard?
Often, yes, a “scoop” refers to a cubic yard. But it is always a good idea to ask the supplier exactly how much volume is in their standard scoop to be sure. Some places might use loaders with buckets that are slightly different sizes.
h4 How does compost coverage compare to dirt coverage?
The calculation for cubic yard coverage is the same for any material measured in cubic yards (dirt, compost, mulch, gravel). One cubic yard of compost is also 27 cubic feet. It will cover the same square footage at the same depth as dirt. However, compost is lighter and tends to compact more over time than soil, so you might want to add a little extra or plan to top it up later.
h4 How accurate do I need to be with my measurements?
For most home landscaping projects, getting the area and depth measurements close is usually enough. If your project is very large, small errors in measurement or depth can add up to needing much more or much less dirt. For big jobs, try to measure as carefully as possible. Using a dirt coverage calculator helps reduce math errors.
h4 What if my area is sloped?
Calculating soil volume for sloped areas is more complex. You might need to average the depth or measure the length along the slope and the width. If you are trying to level a sloped area, you’ll need significantly more dirt for the lower parts. For simple slopes, you can often estimate the average depth you need and use the standard calculation. For complex slopes or leveling projects, consulting with a landscape professional might be helpful to get an accurate estimate of how much dirt needed.
Knowing how much area will a yard of dirt cover is a key step in planning your landscaping projects. By figuring out your area and the depth of dirt needed, you can easily calculate the soil volume in cubic yards. Use the formulas, the table, or a landscaping dirt calculator to get the right amount of cubic yard coverage for your project. This saves you time, effort, and money!