Topsoil Calculator
Find out how much topsoil to order for a new lawn, a garden bed or a low spot in the yard. Enter the size of the area and the depth you want, and this topsoil calculator shows the cubic yards to order in bulk, the number of bags if you buy it bagged and an approximate weight for hauling.
Your results will appear here.
How to use the topsoil calculator
- Choose the shape of the area. For an irregular yard, split it into rectangles and circles, run each one and add the results together.
- Enter the length and width in feet, or the area if you already know it. You can switch to metric if you measured in meters.
- Enter the depth of new soil you want to add, in inches.
- Set the extra for settling. Loose topsoil settles as it is raked, rolled and watered. About 10% extra is a common allowance.
- Pick a bag size if you plan to buy bags, and add your supplier’s bulk price per cubic yard to see the cost.
Topsoil formula
Cubic feet = Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27
Bags = Cubic feet ÷ Bag size (cu ft), rounded up
Weight (tons) ≈ Cubic yards × 1.1
The calculator adds your settling allowance to the volume before it converts to yards and bags.
Worked example
A new garden bed measures 20 ft by 10 ft, and you want 4 in of topsoil with 10% extra for settling:
- Area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft
- Volume: 200 × 4 ÷ 12 = 66.7 cu ft, plus 10% = 73.3 cu ft
- Cubic yards: 73.3 ÷ 27 = 2.72 cu yd
- Bags: 73.3 ÷ 0.75 = 97.8, rounded up to 98 bags of 0.75 cu ft
- Weight: 2.72 × 1.1 = about 3.0 tons
How much area a cubic yard of topsoil covers
| Depth | Area covered by 1 cubic yard | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in | about 1,296 sq ft | Topdressing a lawn |
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | Filling shallow low spots |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | Leveling and light repair |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | New lawn (minimum) |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | New lawn or flower bed |
| 12 in | 27 sq ft | Raised or vegetable beds |
These figures do not include settling. New Mexico State University Extension recommends a total topsoil depth of 4 to 6 inches after firming when you prepare ground for a new lawn.
Bulk or bagged topsoil?
Bags are convenient for small beds and planters, but they add up quickly. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, which is 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft. For jobs of about 2 cubic yards or more, bulk delivery from a landscape supplier is usually cheaper, although most suppliers charge a delivery fee and some have a minimum order.
How much does topsoil weigh?
Dry to moderately moist screened topsoil weighs roughly 1 to 1.3 tons per cubic yard. Wet or clay-heavy soil can weigh more. The calculator uses about 1.1 tons per cubic yard for its estimate. If you plan to haul topsoil yourself, check the payload of your truck or trailer first: a full-size pickup often cannot safely carry more than about 1 cubic yard.
Tips for spreading topsoil
- Remove weeds and debris first, and loosen the existing soil so the new layer blends in instead of sitting on top.
- Spread in layers and rake level, then lightly roll or water to settle the soil before you seed or plant.
- Ask your supplier whether the soil is screened and what it is mixed with. A soil test can tell you if it needs lime or fertilizer.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for 1,000 square feet?
At 4 in deep, 1,000 sq ft needs about 12.3 cubic yards of topsoil before settling. At 6 in deep, it needs about 18.5 cubic yards. Add about 10% for settling.
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. That is 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft, 27 bags of 1 cu ft, 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft or 14 bags of 2 cu ft (13.5, rounded up).
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
Plan on 4 to 6 in of good topsoil after it has settled. Grass roots grow better in a deeper layer, and a thin layer dries out faster.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1 to 1.3 tons, depending on moisture and how much clay and organic matter it contains. Wet soil weighs the most.
Should I order extra topsoil?
Yes. Loose soil settles after it is spread and watered, so most people order about 10% extra. It is usually cheaper than paying for a second delivery.
Sources and methodology
The formulas on this page were written and checked by the HomeQuantly Team against the worked examples shown above. Results are estimates for planning; always confirm measurements on site before you buy materials.