Common for topsoil: 20–30%
Common for fill after compaction: ~10%
kg/m³
Topsoil loose often ~1000–1200 kg/m³
kg/m³
Compacted fill often higher than loose
yd³
Adjust to your hauler's spec
Areas / Segments
| Shape | Length | Width | Diameter | Depth | Depth unit | Qty | Area | Volume |
|---|
Lengths use feet (US) or meters (Metric). Depth can use inches/feet (US) or centimeters/meters (Metric).
Results
| # | Shape | Length | Width/Diameter | Depth | Qty | Area | Volume |
|---|
All volumes shown in both yd³ and m³ for convenience.
Example projects (sample inputs)
| Project | Shape | Length | Width/Diameter | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden bed | Rectangle | 12 ft | 4 ft | 8 in |
| Lawn topdressing | Rectangle | 30 ft | 20 ft | 2 in |
| Round planter | Circle | – | 6 ft Ø | 8 in |
Recreate these above to see volumes and truckloads.
Typical densities & bulking (guide)
| Material | Loose density | Compacted density | Bulking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | 1000–1200 kg/m³ | 1200–1400 kg/m³ | 20–30% |
| Fill sand | 1450–1650 kg/m³ | 1600–1850 kg/m³ | 5–15% |
| Gravel | 1500–1700 kg/m³ | 1700–2000 kg/m³ | 3–10% |
Always confirm with your supplier’s published data.
Formulae used
- Rectangle area:
A = L × W - Circle area:
A = π × (D/2)² - Prism volume from area and depth:
V = A × depth - Loose (bulked) volume:
Vloose = V × (1 + B/100) - Compacted (shrunken) volume:
Vcomp = V × (1 − S/100) - Order volume with overage:
Vorder = V × (1 + W/100) - Weight:
mass = density × volume(kg or lb), convert to tonnes/tons as needed.
All computations are performed internally in SI units; US results are converted.
How to use this calculator
- Select your unit system and material focus.
- Add one or more segments. Choose rectangle or circle for each.
- Enter length, width/diameter, and average depth, plus quantity.
- Adjust bulking/shrink, overage, densities, and truck capacity as needed.
- Click Calculate to see volumes, weights, and truckloads. Export as CSV or PDF.
FAQs
Bulking increases volume when soil is disturbed and becomes looser; shrinkage reduces volume as material compacts during placement or under load. Settings let you model both scenarios.
Yes. Overage accounts for measurement uncertainty, irregular shapes, losses, and grade adjustments. Many projects add 5–15% depending on risk tolerance and access constraints.
Values vary with moisture and material source. Use supplier-provided densities for quotes and logistical planning, especially for weight-limited transport.
Break complex areas into multiple rectangles and circles. Add segments for each component and use the quantity field for repeating modules.
Truckloads equal order volume divided by your truck’s capacity. Adjust capacity to match your hauler’s rated volume for loose or compacted material.