A vane modulus soil tester includes a multi-blade vane having a plurality of radially extended and circumferentially spaced-apart blades. The blades have cavities in which resistance-type strain gauges are carried for measuring stress on the face of the vane blades. At least strain gauges are situated so as to be "facing" each other. A further embodiment may be provided with a series of independent levels of blades of different thicknesses whereby test values may be extrapolated to zero blade thickness conditions or the insitu value. A support base is provided for securely positioning a vane rod extended axially from the vane and for applying torque to the vane through the vane rod.
