Topsoil Calculator
Work out how many cubic yards of topsoil your beds, lawn or garden need.
What you'll need to order
- screened topsoil
- compost (for amending)
- landscape fabric
Prices vary by region and haul distance. Get quotes from at least two local suppliers.
How this calculator works
cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Dividing depth by 12 converts inches to feet, and dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards. Screened topsoil weighs roughly 80 lb per cubic foot, so a cubic yard runs about 2,160 lb.
Worked example
With length 10 ft, width 10 ft, depth 3 in, this calculator returns 0.93 cu yd.
Topsoil needed by depth
Figures below assume length 10 ft × width 10 ft. Change any measurement in the calculator to get your own numbers.
| Depth | Topsoil needed (cu yd) | Approximate weight (tons) | 40 lb bags (if buying bagged) (bags) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 0.31 | 0.33 | 16.67 |
| 2 in | 0.62 | 0.67 | 33.33 |
| 3 in | 0.93 | 1.00 | 50.00 |
| 4 in | 1.23 | 1.33 | 66.67 |
| 6 in | 1.85 | 2.00 | 100.0 |
| 12 in | 3.70 | 4.00 | 200.0 |
Per 100 square feet. Bag counts are for the 40 lb bags sold at garden centres.
How much topsoil for a lawn, bed or raised garden?
| Job | Size | Topsoil needed | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised bed, 4x8 ft | 8 ft × 4 ft × 12 in | 1.19 cu yd | $24 – $71 |
| Levelling a small lawn | 40 ft × 25 ft × 2 in | 6.17 cu yd | $123 – $370 |
| New lawn, front garden | 50 ft × 30 ft × 4 in | 18.52 cu yd | $370 – $1,111 |
| Planting bed | 20 ft × 6 ft × 8 in | 2.96 cu yd | $59 – $178 |
| Full lawn renovation | 80 ft × 50 ft × 4 in | 49.38 cu yd | $988 – $2,963 |
Order about 15% extra for anything you intend to compact or grade — soil settles noticeably in the first month.
Cost range uses $20–$60 per cubic yard for material only.
What does topsoil cost per yard?
Material typically runs $20 to $60 per cubic yard. Bulk, delivered. Screened and amended garden soil runs at the top of that range; bagged topsoil works out near $100 per cubic yard.
What moves the price:
- Screened versus unscreened, which decides whether you are picking out rocks
- Whether compost or sand has been blended in
- Delivery minimums, usually 3 to 5 yards
- Season — spring demand raises prices sharply
Prices are US averages and move with fuel, season and haul distance. Always get two local quotes before budgeting.
Soil types and what each is for
| Type | Typical depth needed (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screened topsoil | 4.00 | New lawns and general use |
| Garden blend (soil + compost) | 8.00 | Planting beds and vegetables |
| Raised bed mix | 12.00 | Free-draining, lighter than field soil |
| Fill dirt | 12.00 | Structural filling only; nothing grows in it |
| Compost topdressing | 0.50 | Thin layer over an existing lawn |
Topsoil and fill dirt are not interchangeable. Fill dirt is subsoil — it compacts well and holds shape, which is exactly why roots cannot penetrate it.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?
A 4 by 8 ft bed filled 12 inches deep takes about 1.2 cubic yards, or 32 cubic feet. That is roughly 16 bags of 2 cubic feet, which is where bulk delivery starts making sense.
How many square feet does a yard of topsoil cover?
324 sq ft at 1 inch, 162 at 2 inches, and 81 at 4 inches. Divide 324 by your depth in inches.
Should I till topsoil into existing soil?
Yes, at least the top few inches. Fresh topsoil laid straight onto compacted ground creates a distinct layer that roots stop at and water perches on.
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need?
Multiply length by width in feet, multiply by depth in inches divided by 12, then divide by 27. A 20 by 10 ft bed at 4 inches deep needs about 2.5 cubic yards.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
Aim for 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil over the subsoil. Grass roots need that depth to establish and hold moisture. Anything under 3 inches dries out fast and produces a weak lawn.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
About 2,000 to 2,200 lb, or roughly one ton, depending on moisture and organic content. Wet topsoil can exceed 2,700 lb per cubic yard, which matters when checking your truck or trailer capacity.
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Bagged topsoil usually comes in 0.75 or 1 cubic foot bags, so you need roughly 27 to 36 bags per cubic yard. Above about one cubic yard, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper.
Is topsoil the same as fill dirt?
No. Topsoil is the upper layer, rich in organic matter and meant for growing. Fill dirt comes from below that layer, holds little organic material, and is used for levelling and building up grade where you do not intend to plant.