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.
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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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Related Calculators
How We Calculate
Formula, assumptions, and sources
Inputs you provide
- Area — either length × width or a total square footage you already know
- Depth — how thick a layer of topsoil to apply (default 4 inches / 10 cm for new garden beds)
Formula
Volume = area × depth, converted to the volume unit topsoil is sold in.
- Imperial:
cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 - Metric:
cubic meters = area (sq m) × depth (cm) ÷ 100
Weight: tons = cubic yards × 1.1 (imperial) or tonnes = cubic meters × 1.32 (metric) for dry screened topsoil.
Bag count = total cubic feet ÷ 1 cu ft per bag, rounded up.
Assumptions
- Default depth of 4 inches is for new beds and planting areas. Topdressing an existing lawn only needs 1–2 inches; filling a raised bed needs whatever depth the bed has (use the raised-bed soil calculator for that).
- 1.1 short tons per cubic yard (1.32 tonnes/m³) is a typical weight for dry, screened topsoil. Wet or compost-rich topsoil can weigh up to 1.4 tons/yd.
- 1 cu ft is the standard bag size for topsoil at US garden centers.
Sources
- Topsoil application depths (1–2 inches for topdressing, 4–6 inches for new beds) match guidance from US university extension services — see our topsoil guide for specifics.
- Bulk density of 1.1–1.4 tons/yd is consistent with published figures from commercial soil suppliers and the US Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Limitations
- Topsoil settles 10–20% after delivery as it compacts under its own weight and watering. If you're building up a level surface, order slightly more than the raw volume math suggests.
- Weight depends heavily on moisture. A cubic yard of wet topsoil can weigh 30–40% more than dry, which matters for truck payload limits and wheelbarrow hauls.
- This calculator treats topsoil as a uniform material. If your project needs a specific blend (e.g., 50/50 topsoil-compost), buy each component separately and layer.
- Cost estimates are not included — topsoil prices vary widely by region, bulk vs. bagged, and whether it's screened or unscreened.
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.