Soil Texture Triangle
Classify soil texture using the USDA texture triangle from sand, silt, and clay percentages. Estimates drainage, water holding capacity, and permeability.
Inputs
Results
Texture Classification
Loam
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the percentages of sand, silt, and clay from a hydrometer analysis or lab test.
- Ensure the three percentages sum to 100%.
- Review the USDA Soil Texture Class determined by the triangle classification.
- Check the Water-Holding Capacity and Permeability ratings for your texture class.
- Use the Texture Class output to select appropriate irrigation scheduling and tillage practices.
What each input means
- Sand Percentage
- Percentage of sand-sized particles (0.05–2.0 mm). Determined by sieve analysis or hydrometer test.
- Silt Percentage
- Percentage of silt-sized particles (0.002–0.05 mm). Sand + Silt + Clay must equal 100%.
- Clay Percentage
- Percentage of clay-sized particles (< 0.002 mm). Clay strongly influences nutrient retention and drainage.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input ParametersSand Percentage = 40, Silt Percentage = 40, Clay Percentage = 20 = 3 input(s) provided
- Calculate Texture ClassificationTexture ClassificationLoam = Loam
- Calculate Normalized Sand40 = 40
- Calculate Normalized Silt40 = 40
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