Soil Texture Calculator — USDA Soil Type Classifier | LandLens
Identify your USDA soil texture class from sand, silt, and clay percentages. Get drainage, water retention, workability, and fertility ratings instantly.
Soil Texture Percentages
Adjust the sliders — the clay value auto-adjusts to keep the total at 100%.
Texture Triangle
Quick Presets
Results
USDA Soil Type
Loam
The ideal agricultural soil — balanced proportions of sand, silt, and clay. Good drainage, moisture retention, and high fertility.
Best for
Almost all crops; considered the gold standard for agriculture
All 12 USDA texture classes
What Is Soil Texture?
Soil texture describes the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in your soil. It's determined by particle size, not chemistry, and directly affects drainage, water retention, and workability.
| Particle | Size | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | 0.05–2 mm | Gritty |
| Silt | 0.002–0.05 mm | Smooth, floury |
| Clay | < 0.002 mm | Sticky when wet |
The USDA soil texture triangle plots these three percentages to assign one of 12 texture classes, from sand to clay, with loam soils offering the best balance for most crops.
How to Test Your Soil
Jar Test
Mix soil and water in a clear jar, shake, and let settle 24–48 hours. Sand settles first, then silt, then clay — measure each layer.
Ribbon Test
Moisten a soil sample and press it between thumb and forefinger. The length of ribbon it forms before breaking indicates clay content.
Feel Test
Rub moist soil between your fingers. Gritty means sand, smooth and floury means silt, sticky means clay.
Lab Analysis
Send a sample to an agricultural lab for a hydrometer particle-size analysis — the most accurate method.
USDA Soil Texture Classes
| Class | Drainage | Water retention | Workability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | Excellent | Poor | Easy |
| Sandy Loam | Good | Fair | Easy |
| Loam | Good | Good | Easy |
| Silt Loam | Moderate | Good | Moderate |
| Clay Loam | Slow | Very Good | Difficult |
| Clay | Poor | Excellent | Difficult |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USDA soil texture triangle?
A standard diagram that classifies soils into 12 texture classes based on sand, silt, and clay percentages. Each vertex represents 100% of one particle size.
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.
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.
How can I improve clay soil?
Add organic matter (compost, well-rotted manure) each year to improve structure, drainage, and workability. Gypsum can flocculate clay particles and improve drainage without raising pH.
How can I improve sandy soil?
Add compost or other organic matter to increase water and nutrient retention. Mulching the surface reduces evaporation, and frequent small irrigations work better than infrequent heavy ones.
Need to Measure Field Area?
Use LandLens to measure field size and help plan soil management zones.
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