How to use
Calculate required topsoil volume in cubic metres and litres from area, depth and allowance.
- Enter Area (m²).
- Enter Depth (cm).
- Enter Allowance (%).
- Calculate, then review the assumptions before purchasing.
How it is calculated
Example
An 80 m² area at 10 cm depth with 5% allowance needs 8.4 m³, or 8,400 litres of topsoil.
Important notes
Loose soil can settle after spreading and watering. Final target depth and expected settlement determine the allowance; one percentage does not fit every soil.
Worked examples and interpreting results
An 80 m² area at 10 cm depth with 5% allowance needs 8.4 m³, or 8,400 litres of topsoil.
| Case | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic metres | 80 × 0.10 × 1.05 | 8.4 m³ |
| Litres | 8.4 × 1000 | 8,400 L |
How to check the result
Loose soil can settle after spreading and watering. Final target depth and expected settlement determine the allowance; one percentage does not fit every soil.
Frequently asked questions
Should depth be before or after settlement?
Enter the final depth you want to achieve and use an allowance appropriate to the expected settlement of the soil.
Should I include waste?
Include an allowance when cuts, breakage or layout losses are expected. Use a percentage that fits your project rather than assuming one fixed rate.
Do the units need to match?
Yes. The calculator assumes the units stated beside each field, so convert measurements first when your source uses different units.