Garden Berm Calculator

Berm volume calculation:

A berm is roughly a half-ellipsoid shape:

Volume = (2/3) × π × (Length/2) × (Width/2) × Height

Simplified: Volume ≈ 0.5 × Length × Width × Height (close approximation for mound shapes)

Unit conversions:

• 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
• 1 cubic yard ≈ 0.765 cubic meters

Berm design guidelines:

• Height: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) for landscaping, up to 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) for screening
• Width: 4–6 times the height for natural appearance
• Length: at least 5–7 times the height
• Slope: no steeper than 3:1 (3 horizontal to 1 vertical) for mowing

Soil mix for berms:

• 60% topsoil + 20% compost + 20% coarse material (sand, gravel)
• Clay soils compact — add extra volume (10–15%) for settling

One cubic yard of soil weighs approximately 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg).