Topsoil Calculator
Find how much topsoil you need — in cubic yards, bags, tons and total cost.
Add prices to estimate cost (optional)
You need approximately
0 yd³
How to use this topsoil calculator
Enter the length and width of each bed (or the diameter for a round bed), choose how deep you want the topsoil, and the calculator instantly shows cubic yards, bags, weight and cost. Have several beds? Tap “Add another area” and it totals them for you. For an L-shaped or irregular area, split it into rectangles, circles or triangles and add each as a separate zone.
The formula (so you can check it)
Topsoil volume is simply area × depth, converted to cubic yards:
Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27
Example: a 20 ft × 10 ft bed at 4 inches deep = 200 sq ft × 0.333 ft = 66.7 cu ft = 2.47 cubic yards. Add 10% for settling → about 2.7 yd³.
How deep should the topsoil be?
| Project | Recommended depth |
|---|---|
| Leveling / topdressing a lawn | 0.5 – 1 inch |
| Seeding a new lawn | 2 – 3 inches |
| Laying sod | 1 – 2 inches |
| New flower / vegetable bed | 6 – 12 inches |
| Raised bed (fill) | 10 – 12 inches |
Weights assume a typical bulk density of about 1.0–1.3 US tons per cubic yard for screened topsoil; wet, clay-heavy or unscreened soil weighs more. Always confirm density and pricing with your local landscape supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the area (in square feet) by the depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For example, 1,000 sq ft at 3 inches deep is 1,000 × 0.25 ÷ 27 ≈ 9.3 cubic yards. Add 10–20% for settling.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard of topsoil?
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard. With 1.5 cubic foot bags that’s about 18 bags per cubic yard.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1.0–1.3 US tons (2,000–2,600 lbs) when dry. Wet or clay-heavy soil weighs more — important for truck delivery limits.
What’s the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer used for planting. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter, used to raise grade or fill holes — cheaper and heavier.
Is it cheaper to buy topsoil in bags or in bulk?
Bulk (by the cubic yard) is almost always cheaper per volume once you need more than about 1 cubic yard. Bags are convenient for small jobs and avoid a delivery fee. Enter both prices above and the calculator compares them.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
For seeding or sod on a new lawn, 2–3 inches of quality topsoil is typical. For leveling, 0.5–1 inch; for new garden beds, 6–12 inches.
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
About 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft, 27 bags of 1 cu ft, 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft, or 13–14 bags of 2 cu ft per cubic yard.