Calculate cubic yards of loam from length and width, known area, or round bed diameter and depth, plus cubic feet and cubic meters.
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Yards of Loam Formula
Cubic Yards = (Area in sq ft × Depth in inches) / 324
- Area = length × width for rectangular beds, or π × (diameter/2)² for round beds
- Depth = loam thickness in inches
- 324 = conversion factor (12 in/ft × 27 ft³/yd³)
The formula assumes uniform depth across the area. Loam compacts roughly 10–20% after settling and watering, so order extra to account for compaction and spillage. The calculator includes a 10% buffer in the order estimate.
Loam Depth and Coverage Reference
Use these depths to match your project, then check how far one cubic yard goes.
| Project | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Lawn topdressing | 0.25 in |
| Overseeding cover | 0.5 in |
| Grading low spots | 1–2 in |
| Garden bed amendment | 2–3 in |
| New lawn install | 4–6 in |
| Raised bed fill | 8–12 in |
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| 0.25 in | 1,296 sq ft |
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
Example and Common Questions
Example: A new lawn area is 30 ft by 20 ft and you want 4 inches of loam. Area = 600 sq ft. Cubic yards = (600 × 4) / 324 = 7.41 yd³. Order about 8.2 yd³ with a 10% buffer.
How much does a yard of loam weigh? Screened loam weighs roughly 2,000–2,500 lbs per cubic yard dry, and up to 3,000 lbs when wet.
Will a yard fit in a pickup? A half-ton pickup typically handles 1/3 to 1/2 yard safely. A full-size truck with heavy-duty suspension may carry 1 yard. Bulk orders usually require dump truck delivery.
Why add a buffer? Loam settles after watering and you lose volume to uneven ground, edging, and spillage during spreading. A 10% buffer covers most jobs.
Loam vs. topsoil: Loam is a soil texture (balanced sand, silt, and clay). Screened loam sold in bulk is the standard product for lawns and gardens. Generic "topsoil" varies in quality.
