What is the USDA soil texture triangle?

The USDA soil texture triangle is a standard diagram that classifies soils into 12 texture classes based on the percentage of sand (0.05–2 mm), silt (0.002–0.05 mm), and clay (< 0.002 mm) particles. Each vertex of the equilateral triangle represents 100% of one particle size. Where your soil’s three percentages meet determines the texture class.

How do I find my soil’s sand, silt, and clay percentages?

The most accurate method is a laboratory particle-size analysis (hydrometer method). A simple field test is the jar test: mix soil with water in a clear jar, shake well, then let it settle for 24–48 hours. Sand settles first (bottom layer), silt next, and clay forms the top layer. Measure each layer’s proportion of the total settled depth.

What is the best soil type for farming?

Loam is widely considered the best agricultural soil. It contains roughly 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay, giving a balance of good drainage, moisture retention, easy workability, and high fertility. Sandy loam is also excellent for vegetables and fruit crops because it warms quickly and drains well.

How can I improve clay soil?

Add organic matter (compost, well-rotted manure) at 5–10 cm depth each year to improve structure, drainage, and workability. Gypsum (calcium sulphate) can flocculate clay particles and improve drainage without raising pH. Avoid tilling when wet to prevent compaction. Over 3–5 years, regular organic matter addition transforms most clay soils into workable clay loam.

How can I improve sandy soil?

Sandy soil drains too quickly and holds few nutrients. Add compost or other organic matter to increase water and nutrient retention. Bentonite clay (at 1–2 kg/m²) can also help bind sandy particles. Mulching the surface reduces evaporation. Frequent small irrigations are more effective than infrequent heavy ones on sandy soils.

Soil Texture Calculator

Enter your sand, silt, and clay percentages to identify your USDA soil texture class. Instant results with management recommendations.

Soil Texture Percentages

Adjust the sliders — the clay value auto-adjusts to keep the total at 100%.

SoilCalculator.sand

SoilCalculator.silt

SoilCalculator.clay

Total: 100% ✓

Texture Triangle

SoilCalculator.sand 40%SoilCalculator.silt 40%SoilCalculator.clay 20%

SoilCalculator.presets

Results

USDA SoilCalculator.soilType

Loam

The ideal agricultural soil — balanced proportions of sand, silt, and clay. Good drainage, moisture retention, and high fertility.

SoilCalculator.drainage

SoilCalculator.poorSoilCalculator.excellent

SoilCalculator.waterRetention

SoilCalculator.lowSoilCalculator.high

SoilCalculator.workability

SoilCalculator.difficultSoilCalculator.easy

SoilCalculator.fertility

SoilCalculator.lowSoilCalculator.high

Best for

Almost all crops; considered the gold standard for agriculture

All 12 USDA texture classes

SoilCalculator.whatIsHeading

SoilCalculator.whatIsIntro

Particle	Size	Feel

SoilCalculator.whatIsText

SoilCalculator.testingHeading

SoilCalculator.classesHeading

Class	Drainage	Water retention	Workability

SoilCalculator.faqHeading

SoilCalculator.ctaHeading

SoilCalculator.ctaDescription

Download LandLens Free

Share Your Feedback

Help us build a better LandLens. Request features, report bugs, or tell us what you think.