Topsoil Calculator
Find how much topsoil you need for a lawn, garden bed or raised bed in cubic yards, tons and bags.
How the topsoil calculator works
Enter the length and width of the area in feet and the depth in inches. The calculator turns the volume into cubic feet, adds a percentage for settling and compaction, then converts to cubic yards, tons and bags.
The formulas
Example: A bed 20 ft by 10 ft filled 4 in deep with 10% extra needs 2.72 cubic yards, which is about 2.99 tons. Topsoil weighs roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard, but it changes with moisture.
Use 3 to 4 inches for a lawn top-up and 6 to 12 inches for new beds or raised beds. Bulk delivery by the cubic yard is usually cheaper than bags for anything over a few yards.
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Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a lawn?
For a new lawn, spread 4 to 6 inches. To top up an existing lawn, 1 to 2 inches is often enough.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1 to 1.4 tons depending on moisture and mix.
Why add extra for settling?
Loose soil compacts after watering and over time, so ordering 10 percent extra keeps the depth right.
Is bulk or bagged topsoil cheaper?
Bulk is usually cheaper for larger jobs. Bags are handy for small beds and patching.
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