Soil Calculator for Pathways & Borders

Calculate exactly how much soil you need for your garden pathways and borders. Get instant, accurate results!

Soil Volume Calculator

ft
ft
inches
Total Soil Volume Needed
0.00
cubic yards
Estimated Weight
0.00
pounds

How it works: The calculator multiplies length × width × depth to get soil volume. For imperial measurements, inches are converted to feet and volume is shown in cubic yards (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).

Tip: For borders, measure the total length along the planting area rather than the straight-line distance.

Recommended Soil Products

FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil

Premium blend with earthworm castings, bat guano, and sea-going fish & crab meal. Perfect for creating nutrient-rich pathways and borders that support healthy plant growth.

Check Price on Amazon

Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Flowers & Vegetables

Enriched with continuous-release plant food to nourish plants for up to 3 months. Ideal for border gardens where you want vibrant blooms and healthy vegetables.

Check Price on Amazon

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Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should soil be for garden pathways?
For pathways that won’t support heavy traffic, 2-3 inches of soil is usually sufficient. For more durable pathways that will see regular foot traffic, 4-6 inches is recommended.
Should I use different soil for borders and pathways?
Yes, planting borders benefit from nutrient-rich garden soil, while pathways do better with more compactable soil that drains well. Pathway-specific soil mixes are available.
How do I account for irregularly shaped borders?
Break the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each section separately, then add them together. For curved borders, use the average width of the border along its length.
Can I use this calculator for mulch as well?
Yes, the volume calculation is the same for mulch. However, mulches are typically applied at a different depth (2-4 inches) compared to planting soil (6-12 inches).