Key Takeaways
- Topsoil is measured in cubic yards, and one cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep
- Lawn repair typically needs 2 to 4 inches of topsoil spread over the bare area
- Raised beds are calculated by multiplying length x width x depth of the bed frame
- Topsoil settles 10 to 20 percent after application due to compression and decomposition
- Order 10 to 15 percent more than the calculated volume to account for settlement and uneven ground
Cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a cube measuring 3 feet on each side, commonly used in the US for ordering topsoil and other landscaping materials.
Organic matter refers to decomposed plant material in soil that improves structure, water retention and nutrient availability.
Topsoil is one of those materials where the amount you need depends entirely on what you are doing with it. Repairing a bare patch in the lawn requires a completely different volume than filling a raised bed or leveling a yard before seeding. The math is the same, but the depth assumptions are not.
Here is how to measure and order the right amount for your project.
Repairing bare spots in a lawn
Measure the bare area. A bare patch that is 6 feet by 8 feet has an area of 48 square feet. For lawn repair, you typically need 2 to 3 inches of topsoil to give grass seed a good growing medium without smothering the surrounding turf.
At 3 inches deep:
48 x (3 / 12) = 12 cubic feet
Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards:
12 / 27 = 0.44 cubic yards
That rounds up to half a cubic yard. For a few bare patches around the yard, buying a couple of bags from the garden center is more practical than ordering a bulk delivery.
Topdressing an entire lawn
If the lawn needs a uniform layer of topsoil for overseeding or level corrections, measure the total lawn area and multiply by the desired depth. A 2,000 square foot lawn at 1 inch deep:
2,000 / 324 = 6.17 cubic yards
At 2 inches deep, you need 12.3 cubic yards. That is a substantial delivery and usually cheaper per cubic yard when ordered in bulk from a landscape supplier.
Filling raised beds
Raised beds are straightforward because they have defined dimensions. Multiply the interior length by the interior width by the desired soil depth.
A raised bed that is 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 12 inches deep:
4 x 2 x 1 = 8 cubic feet = 0.30 cubic yards
That is about 4 bags of bagged topsoil if each bag contains 2 cubic feet. Most raised beds need a mix of topsoil, compost and sometimes peat or coconut coir, so the topsoil portion is only part of the fill.
Leveling a yard
Yard leveling is the most volume-intensive application because it covers the entire area at a significant depth. The process involves spreading topsoil in low spots, raking it smooth and seeding.
Measure the area to be leveled and determine the average depth needed. A yard with low spots that are 2 to 3 inches deep across a 1,500 square foot area needs roughly 3 to 4 cubic yards of topsoil.
In practice, you spread the topsoil, let it settle for a week or two, and then add more to fill any remaining depressions. Ordering an initial batch and planning a follow-up is more efficient than ordering everything at once.
Topsoil settles
Fresh topsoil has air gaps between particles. Rain, gravity and root growth compress it over time. Expect 10 to 20 percent settlement in the first few months, depending on the soil composition and how thoroughly it was compacted during application.
This means if your calculation says you need 10 cubic yards, ordering 11 or 12 gives you the buffer to top up low spots after settling without needing a second delivery.
Bagged versus bulk
Bagged topsoil is sold in 1 to 3 cubic foot bags. It is convenient for small projects like filling a few raised beds or patching lawn spots. The per-cubic- foot cost is higher than bulk, but you avoid the delivery fee and can buy approximately what you need.
Bulk topsoil is delivered by the cubic yard in a dump truck. It is cheaper per unit for larger projects and the delivery fee is amortized over more material. Most suppliers have a minimum order, typically 2 to 5 cubic yards.
The topsoil calculator determines the volume for your specific project dimensions and converts between cubic feet, cubic yards and bag counts.
Editorial note: This article is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. All calculations use standard industry formulas. For the latest soil composition data, consult your local landscape supplier directly.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for 1000 square feet?
At 1 inch deep, a 1,000 square foot area needs about 3 cubic yards. At 3 inches deep, you need about 9 cubic yards. The depth required depends on the application: lawn repair needs 2 to 3 inches, while yard leveling may need 4 to 6 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
A cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 2,000 to 2,700 pounds, depending on moisture content and soil composition. Heavier soils with more clay content weigh more than sandy soils.
Can I use topsoil to fill low spots in my lawn?
Yes, but spread it gradually. Fill low spots with no more than 1 to 2 inches of topsoil at a time, allow it to settle, and repeat as needed. Dumping several inches of topsoil at once can smother the existing grass underneath.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is the basic mineral soil scraped from the surface, with varying organic content. Garden soil is topsoil that has been amended with compost and other organic matter to improve its growing properties. Garden soil is better for planting beds; topsoil is better for grading and lawn repair.