Topsoil Calculator

How much topsoil you need for a new lawn, a low spot or a garden bed, in cubic yards, tons and bags.

Inputs

ft
ft
Odd shape? Split it into rectangles, or use the Area tab.
in
New lawn: 4 in at the very least, 6 in or more is better. Raised bed: the inside depth of the bed.
%
Loose topsoil settles once it's raked, rolled and watered. 10% is a common pad; use more if you'll firm it hard.
tons
About 1.05–1.15 tons dry and 1.3–1.5 tons wet. Only matters if your yard sells by the ton.

Results

—cubic yards of topsoil
Area—
Cubic feet—
Weight—
Bags—
Assumptions: Cubic feet = area × depth in inches ÷ 12; cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Cubic yards, cubic feet, tons and bags all include the extra %; bags are rounded up. Tons = cubic yards × weight per yard (1.15 tons, about 2,300 lb, is a middle planning number; wet soil runs heavier). One cubic yard = 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft. Mix new topsoil into the top few inches of the soil underneath instead of leaving a separate layer. Estimates for planning only; confirm with your supplier.

Topsoil calculator FAQ

How much does a cubic yard of topsoil cover?

About 81 sq ft at 4 in deep, 54 sq ft at 6 in, 162 sq ft at 2 in and 324 sq ft at 1 in, before any extra for settling.

How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?

A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet: 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft (the common 40 lb bag), 27 bags of 1 cu ft or 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft. Past a yard or two, bulk delivery is usually less money and far less lifting.

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

Roughly 2,100–2,300 lb (about 1.1 tons) when dry and 2,600–3,000 lb or more when wet. This calculator uses 1.15 tons per yard unless you change it.

How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?

At least 4 in of good soil, and 6 in or more is better for roots. On heavy clay, mix 4–6 in of loamy topsoil into the top few inches of the ground instead of laying it on top.

How much topsoil for a 20 × 10 ft area at 4 in deep?

About 2.72 cubic yards with 10% extra: roughly 73 cubic feet, 3.1 tons, or 98 bags of 0.75 cu ft.

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Step-by-step guide: How much topsoil do I need? (coverage by depth, lawns and raised beds) — formula, worked examples, and common mistakes.