Loam Calculator
Calculate garden soil volume, weight, and cost for your landscaping projects. Mix sand, silt, clay, compost, and topsoil for optimal plant growth.
Volume & Weight
Cost Estimate
Loam Composition
Component Breakdown (per cubic yard)
Ideal Loam Composition
- Sand: 40% - Provides drainage and aeration
- Silt: 40% - Retains moisture and nutrients
- Clay: 20% - Binds soil and holds minerals
- Organic Matter: 5-10% - Feeds soil life
Soil Texture Triangle
- Sandy Loam: 70-80% sand, good for drainage
- Silty Loam: 60-70% silt, very fertile
- Clay Loam: 30-40% clay, nutrient-rich
- Organic Loam: High compost content
Coverage Estimates
- 1 cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1" deep
- 1 cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2" deep
- 1 cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3" deep
- 1 cubic yard covers 81 sq ft at 4" deep
Frequently Asked Questions
What is loam soil?
Loam is the ideal soil texture for gardening, consisting of roughly 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. This balanced mixture provides excellent drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient availability for most plants.
How much loam do I need for my garden?
Use our calculator to determine the exact amount. For general guidance: a 10'×10' garden bed with 6" of loam needs approximately 1.85 cubic yards (about 2.8 tons). Enter your dimensions above for a precise calculation.
How many cubic yards of loam per ton?
Loam typically weighs 2,100-2,500 lbs per cubic yard, so 1 ton (2,000 lbs) equals approximately 0.8-0.95 cubic yards. Our calculator provides exact conversions based on your specific mix.
How much does loam cost?
Loam costs vary by location and quality:
- Basic topsoil/loam: $30-50 per cubic yard
- Screened loam: $40-60 per cubic yard
- Premium garden mix (with compost): $50-80 per cubic yard
- Delivery fees: $50-150 depending on distance
How do I improve my soil to become loam?
To improve existing soil:
- Sandy soil: Add clay and organic matter
- Clay soil: Add sand and compost for drainage
- Silty soil: Add organic matter for structure
- Test your soil pH and adjust as needed
What is the best loam mix for vegetables?
For vegetable gardens, ideal loam composition is: 40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay, plus 10-20% compost or organic matter. This provides excellent drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients for optimal plant growth.
How many cubic yards fit in a dump truck?
Standard dump trucks typically hold 10-16 cubic yards of loam. Smaller pickup trucks with dump inserts hold 2-3 cubic yards. Use our calculator to determine how many loads you'll need for your project.
What is the difference between topsoil and loam?
Topsoil is the upper layer of natural soil, which can vary in texture. Loam specifically refers to soil with balanced sand, silt, and clay content. Loam is often considered higher quality for gardening than generic topsoil.