Topsoil Calculator
Enter your area dimensions or total square footage to find out how much topsoil you need — in cubic yards, tons, and bag counts.
Not sure how large your area is? Use our land area calculator to measure any yard or garden area on a map.
Your Results
Volume needed
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Tons needed
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1 cu ft bags
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need?
Multiply your area (in square feet) by the depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, a 200 sq ft area at 4 inches deep needs about 2.47 cubic yards. The calculator above does this for you automatically.
How deep should I apply topsoil?
For topdressing an existing lawn, 1–2 inches is typical. For new garden beds or planting areas, aim for 4–6 inches of topsoil so roots can establish properly.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Topsoil weighs approximately 1.1 short tons (2,200 lbs) per cubic yard when dry. Wet or dense topsoil can weigh more. Check truck payload limits before ordering a large bulk delivery.
How many bags of topsoil equal a cubic yard?
A standard 1 cu ft bag of topsoil means you need 27 bags per cubic yard. For larger projects, bulk delivery is almost always more economical than bagged topsoil.