Topsoil calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need for a garden bed, lawn or landscaping project.
Topsoil calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need for a garden bed, lawn or landscaping project.
Enter your dimensions to see the topsoil estimate.
Volume needed
Project summary
How it works
These are volume estimates for planning. Bag counts are approximate and depend on the specific product and how densely it is packed. Actual requirements depend on ground conditions and settling.
Topsoil calculator
Depth depends on what you are growing
For overseeding an existing lawn, 2 to 3 inches of topsoil is enough to give seed good contact without smothering the grass underneath. For a new garden bed, 6 to 8 inches of quality topsoil gives most vegetables and flowers a solid starting point. For raised beds, 12 inches or more is common. The depth you choose is the single biggest factor in how much you need.
Settling is real and should be planned for
Topsoil settles 10 to 25 percent after placement, depending on how wet it is and how much organic material it contains. Fresh topsoil is fluffy when delivered and compresses under rainfall and gravity. If you fill a bed to the top with loose topsoil, it will be noticeably lower in a month. Ordering 10 to 15 percent extra covers settling and the uneven spreading that happens when you work with a material that arrives in a pile.
Cubic yards versus bags
Bulk topsoil is sold by the cubic yard and delivered by the truck. Bagged topsoil is sold in 0.75 to 2 cubic foot bags from the garden center. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet to make one yard. For any project bigger than a small garden bed, bulk delivery is significantly cheaper per cubic foot.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for a lawn?
For a 1000 square foot lawn at 4 inches deep, you need about 12.3 cubic feet, which is roughly 0.46 cubic yards. At 6 inches deep, that becomes about 0.69 cubic yards. For a standard 50 by 100 foot lot, a 4-inch layer needs about 6.17 cubic yards. Enter your own area and depth above.
How deep should topsoil be for grass?
For new lawns, 4 to 6 inches of topsoil gives grass roots room to establish. For overseeding an existing lawn, 2 to 3 inches is enough. The topsoil should be free of debris, clumps and weeds, and it should be levelled and lightly compacted before seeding.
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for 1000 square feet?
At 2 inches deep, you need about 0.6 cubic yards. At 6 inches deep, you need about 1.9 cubic yards. The calculator gives you the exact amount based on your area and depth.
How much does topsoil cost per cubic yard?
Bulk topsoil costs 15 to 50 dollars per cubic yard depending on quality and location. Screened topsoil costs more than fill dirt. The calculator shows cubic yards so you can price delivery.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?
4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil is ideal for starting a new lawn. Existing lawns may benefit from a 1 to 2 inch top dressing. The calculator lets you choose the depth.
How many bags of topsoil per cubic yard?
Most topsoil bags are 1 to 2 cubic feet. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, so you need 14 to 27 bags per cubic yard. The calculator converts between bags and cubic yards.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is organic rich and suitable for growing plants. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic content, used for raising grade or filling holes. The calculator estimates volume for either type.
How do I calculate topsoil for a raised bed?
Multiply length by width by depth. A 4 by 8 foot bed that is 12 inches deep needs 32 cubic feet or about 1.2 cubic yards. The calculator handles rectangular areas.