Topsoil Calculator
Calculate topsoil for lawns, garden beds and raised beds. Get cubic yards, tons, bags and a cost estimate.
Topsoil needed
15.56 cu yd
- Volume
- 420 cu ft
- Estimated weight
- 18.67 tons
- 1.5 cu ft bags
- 280
- Estimated bagged cost
- $1,120.00
Assumes about 1.2 tons per cubic yard of moist topsoil. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper above 2–3 cubic yards; bag prices are shown for comparison.
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard in bulk and by the bag at garden centers. The volume depends on area and depth, and the weight depends on moisture and soil type — usually about 1.2 tons per cubic yard.
Depth is the decision that matters most: 4–6 inches for a new lawn, 6–12 inches for vegetable beds, and 1–2 inches for patching. Filling a bed deeper than the existing soil drains well can create a bathtub effect, so check drainage before you order.
How the topsoil calculator works
Volume in cubic feet = length × width × depth, with depth converted to feet. Apply the settlement allowance, divide by 27 for cubic yards, and multiply by about 1.2 tons per cubic yard for an estimated weight. Bags = volume ÷ bag size, rounded up.
Worked example
A 40 × 20 ft area at 6 inches deep is 400 cu ft. With 5% settlement that is 420 cu ft, or 15.6 cu yd — about 18.7 tons and 280 bags of 1.5 cu ft topsoil.
How deep should topsoil be?
| Application | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New lawn | 4–6 in | Till into the existing soil |
| Vegetable garden | 6–12 in | Mix with compost |
| Raised bed | 8–12 in | Use a draining mix, not pure clay |
| Patching low spots | 1–2 in | Compact lightly and reseed |
Screened vs unscreened topsoil
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Screened topsoil | Lawns, beds, patching | Higher price; still test pH |
| Unscreened topsoil | Large fills, grading | Rocks, roots and debris |
| Compost blend | Planting beds | Too rich for some natives |
| Fill dirt | Structural fill | Little organic matter; not topsoil |
Common topsoil mistakes
- Using fill dirt as topsoil and expecting plants to grow.
- Filling over a hardpan or compacted layer without breaking it up, which traps water.
- Ordering by the bag for a large area; bulk is much cheaper above 2–3 cubic yards.
- Skipping a soil test, then guessing at lime or fertilizer.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. That is 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft, 27 bags of 1 cu ft, or 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft.
How much topsoil do I need for 1,000 square feet?
At 6 inches deep, 1,000 sq ft needs 500 cu ft, or about 18.5 cubic yards. At 4 inches it is about 12.3 cubic yards; at 12 inches it is 37 cubic yards.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil contains organic matter and supports plant growth. Fill dirt is structural material, often subsoil or clay, with little organic content. Do not use fill dirt as a growing medium.
Do I need to compact topsoil?
Settle it lightly and water it in, but do not compact it like a base material. Over-compaction removes the air spaces roots need. For a lawn, a light roll after grading is enough.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
About 1.1–1.3 tons, depending on moisture and mineral content. Wet soil is heavier, so order by volume and confirm the delivered weight if the truck is limited.
Can I mix compost with topsoil?
Yes. A 50/50 blend is common for garden beds. For lawns, incorporate 2–3 inches of compost into the top 6 inches rather than creating a shallow layer of pure compost.
Assumptions and accuracy
- Dimensions are converted to feet before the calculation; 1 ft = 12 in = 0.3048 m.
- Waste allowances are estimates. Add more for irregular shapes, many cuts and uneven subgrade.
- Bag yields, coverage rates and material densities vary by product. Check the label or ask your supplier.
- Local building codes and site conditions always take precedence over a general-purpose calculator.
- Read our full methodology