For topsoil or fill specified by area and depth. Density must describe the same material state as the volume you measure.
- Length, width and depth
- The extent and uniform thickness of the layer.
- Density
- Kilograms per cubic metre in metric mode, pounds per cubic foot in imperial mode. Use a suitable bulk density.
The soil tool calculates one volume and one mass. It has no separate percentage allowance control.
- Volume in m³ and mass in metric tonnes in metric mode. In imperial mode, tap the result unit to switch volume between ft³ and yd³, and mass between US tons and pounds.
A rectangular layer using an assumed bulk density, not a universal soil property.
| Quantity | Value |
|---|---|
| Length × width × depth | 4 × 2 × 0.20 m |
| Density | 1600 kg/m³ |
| Volume; mass | 1.600 m³; 2560 kg |
Volume = 4 × 2 × 0.20. Mass = volume × 1600 = 2560 kg, or 2.560 metric tonnes. The table shows kilograms for the multiplication; the metric app result uses tonnes. There is no hidden allowance in this result.
Soil moisture, composition and compaction change bulk density. The calculator uses the entered value; it cannot determine shrinkage, swell or the number of truck loads.
Metric and imperial display units do not change the underlying physical quantity. A US ton is not a metric tonne; check the mass unit when communicating an order.
Can I keep the default density?
Only when it is appropriate to your material and state. Get a supplier value when the order is by weight.
What if depth varies across the plot?
Use separate measured regions or a justified average depth; one rectangle does not model the terrain.
- Can I keep the default density?
- Only when it is appropriate to your material and state. Get a supplier value when the order is by weight.
- What if depth varies across the plot?
- Use separate measured regions or a justified average depth; one rectangle does not model the terrain.
Measurements, units and material terms
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