Loam Calculator
Calculate how much loam you need for a new lawn or garden bed, in cubic yards and estimated weight.
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This is the volume of loam needed. Screened loam compacts roughly 10-20% after settling and watering, so many suppliers recommend ordering slightly more than the raw calculated volume.
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How to Measure for Loam
Loam is measured the same way as topsoil — length, width, and depth of the area you're covering. Screened loam sold in bulk is the standard product for new lawns and garden beds. Typical depth is 4-6 inches for a new lawn base, or 0.25-0.5 inches for overseeding an existing lawn.
How to Calculate Loam Volume
Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth, all in feet, divided by 27 for cubic yards.
Loam Calculator Formula
- Depth in feet = Depth in inches ÷ 12
- Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × Depth (ft)
- Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
- Weight (tons) = Volume (cu yd) × Density ÷ 2,000
How Much Loam Do I Need?
Depends on your area and depth. A 25 ft × 15 ft new lawn area at 5 inches deep needs about 5.8 cubic yards — larger areas or deeper application scale proportionally.
Loam Coverage Chart
Common Loam Depths
4-6 inches for a new lawn base (enough for grass roots to establish well), and just 0.25-0.5 inches when overseeding an existing lawn — more than that risks smothering the grass that's already there.
Loam Measurement Examples
New lawn area: 25 ft × 15 ft, 5 inches deep. Volume = 25 × 15 × 0.42 ≈ 156.25 cu ft ÷ 27 ≈ 5.79 cubic yards.
Common Loam Measurement Mistakes
Applying too much depth when overseeding, which can smother existing grass instead of helping new seed establish. Not ordering extra for settling — loam typically compacts 10-20% after watering, so order slightly more than the raw calculated volume. Confusing loam with fill dirt — loam is nutrient-rich and meant for growing; fill dirt is not.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the length and width of the area, and your desired depth of loam. Adjust the density if your supplier provides a specific figure.
Formula & Methodology
Volume (cubic yards) = Length × Width × Depth (in feet) ÷ 27. Weight = Volume × Density.
Example: 30 ft × 20 ft new lawn area, 4 in deep
30 × 20 × (4÷12) = 800 cubic feet ÷ 27 ≈ 7.41 cubic yards.
Loam is technically a specific soil texture — a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay — distinct from generic "topsoil," which can refer to any soil from the top layer of ground regardless of texture. In practice, screened loam sold in bulk by landscape suppliers is the common product used for lawns and gardens, and this calculator's volume math applies the same way to either. The default density (about 2,200 lbs per cubic yard dry, up to 3,000 lbs when wet) is a commonly cited example figure — confirm your supplier's specific density if provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is loam, exactly?
- Loam is a soil texture — a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay — that drains well while still holding moisture and nutrients for plant roots. It's considered ideal for lawns and most garden plants.
- Is loam the same as topsoil?
- Not technically — loam describes a specific soil texture, while topsoil is a broader term for the top layer of ground regardless of its exact texture. In practice, screened loam sold by landscape suppliers is the common bulk product used for lawns and gardens.
- How deep should loam be for a new lawn?
- 4-6 inches is typical for a new lawn, giving grass roots enough depth to establish well. For overseeding an existing lawn, 0.25-0.5 inches is enough — more risks smothering existing grass.
- How much does a yard of loam weigh?
- Screened loam weighs roughly 2,000-2,500 lbs per cubic yard dry, and can weigh up to 3,000 lbs when wet.
- Should I order extra loam?
- Yes — loam typically compacts 10-20% after settling and watering, so ordering slightly more than your calculated volume helps avoid running short.
Last updated 7/14/2026