Topsoil Calculator

How to calculate how much topsoil you need

1. Area = length × width, in feet.
2. Volume in cubic feet = area × depth in feet (inches ÷ 12).
3. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Bulk topsoil is usually sold by the cubic yard.

Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27

ExampleA bed 20 ft long and 10 ft wide, filled 4 inches deep. Area = 200 sq ft. Volume = 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.67 cu ft, which is 2.47 cubic yards. Adding 5% for settling gives about 2.59 cubic yards, or 70 one-cubic-foot bags.

Topsoil needed by area and depth

Figures are in cubic yards, before any allowance for settling.

Area	2 in deep	4 in deep	6 in deep
100 sq ft	0.6	1.2	1.9
250 sq ft	1.5	3.1	4.6
500 sq ft	3.1	6.2	9.3
1,000 sq ft	6.2	12.3	18.5
2,000 sq ft	12.3	24.7	37

How much one cubic yard of topsoil covers

Depth	Coverage per cubic yard
1 inch	324 sq ft
2 inches	162 sq ft
3 inches	108 sq ft
4 inches	81 sq ft
6 inches	54 sq ft

Bulk or bags?

Bags are convenient for small jobs and easy to carry in a car. For larger areas, bulk delivery by the cubic yard is usually more practical. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so the number of bags depends on the bag size.

Bag size	Bags in one cubic yard
0.75 cubic feet	36
1 cubic foot	27
1.5 cubic feet	18
2 cubic feet	14

Choosing a depth

The right depth depends on what you are growing and on the soil you already have. A thin layer is typical for top-dressing an existing lawn, new lawns are usually given several inches, and raised beds and vegetable gardens are often filled deeper still. A local garden center or landscape supplier can advise for your soil and climate.

Weight and delivery

Topsoil weight changes a lot with moisture. Figures of roughly 2,000 to 2,700 lb per cubic yard are common, and the calculator uses 2,200 lb unless you change it. If you plan to collect soil yourself, check the payload of your vehicle or trailer against the weight shown, and ask the supplier what their soil weighs.

Tips for ordering topsoil

• Measure every bed and add the areas together before ordering. Our area calculator helps with circles and triangles.
• Allow a little extra, because loose soil settles after it is spread and watered.
• Ask what the soil is: screened topsoil, a garden blend and fill dirt are different products.
• For other loose materials, the cubic yard calculator works the same way.

Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter. Confirm quantities with your supplier, installer or contractor before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?

It varies with moisture and what the soil is made of. Figures of roughly 2,000 to 2,700 lb per cubic yard are common. The calculator uses 2,200 lb by default, and you can change it if your supplier gives a different number.

How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?

A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. That is 27 one-cubic-foot bags, 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet, or 14 two-cubic-foot bags (13.5, rounded up).

How much topsoil do I need for 1,000 square feet?

About 6.2 cubic yards at 2 inches deep, 12.3 cubic yards at 4 inches and 18.5 cubic yards at 6 inches, before any allowance for settling.

Why add extra for settling?

Loose soil settles and compacts after it is spread and watered. A small allowance helps you avoid coming up short.

How deep should topsoil be?

It depends on what you are growing and the soil underneath. A thin layer is typical for top-dressing a lawn, new lawns are usually given several inches, and raised beds are often filled deeper. A local garden center can advise for your soil and climate.

Can I use this for compost, mulch or fill dirt?

The volume works the same way for any loose material. The weight will differ, so change the weight per cubic yard to match your material.