How do I calculate how much topsoil I need?

Multiply the area length by width by depth — all in feet — to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, a 10 ft × 20 ft area at 6 inches (0.5 ft) deep = 100 ft³ ÷ 27 = 3.70 yd³. Add a 10% waste factor for real-world ordering.

How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for a 1,000 sq ft area?

At 4 inches deep, 1,000 sq ft requires about 12.3 yd³. At 6 inches deep, 18.5 yd³. At 2 inches (a thin topdress), about 6.2 yd³. Always add 10% for waste and settling.

How much does topsoil weigh per cubic yard?

Dry topsoil weighs approximately 2,000–2,200 lbs per cubic yard (about 1 short ton). Moist or heavy clay topsoil can weigh 2,500–2,800 lbs per yard. The calculator uses 2,200 lbs/yd³ as the standard estimate, which is a reasonable average for typical screened topsoil.

How deep should I put topsoil?

For a new lawn, 4–6 inches of topsoil is the minimum; 6–8 inches is ideal for better root development. For garden beds and vegetable gardens, 8–12 inches gives roots maximum room. For a topdress or lawn repair, 1–2 inches is typical. Filling low spots only needs enough to match grade — usually 2–4 inches.

How many tons of topsoil do I need?

Divide your cubic yard quantity by approximately 0.45–0.5 to get short tons, or simply multiply cubic yards by 1.1 tons. Suppliers typically sell by the cubic yard for bulk delivery or by the bag for small quantities. Use the calculator above — it converts to tons automatically.

How many bags of topsoil equal a cubic yard?

A 40-lb bag of topsoil typically contains about 0.75 cubic feet. There are 27 cubic feet per cubic yard, so you need approximately 36 bags to equal 1 cubic yard. A 1-cubic-foot bag yields exactly 1 cubic foot, so 27 bags per yard. Bags are only economical for very small areas — anything over 1 yard is cheaper and easier as bulk delivery.

What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?

Topsoil is the top 2–8 inches of naturally occurring soil, rich in organic matter, nutrients, and microbial activity. It supports plant growth. Fill dirt is subsoil — inert material used to raise grade, fill holes, or build up areas. Fill dirt is cheap or free but cannot sustain plant growth on its own. For areas where you need both, use fill dirt to build elevation and cap with 4–6 inches of topsoil on top.

How much does bulk topsoil cost per cubic yard?

Screened topsoil typically runs $15–$50 per cubic yard for the material itself. Delivery adds $50–$150 depending on distance and supplier. Premium blended topsoil or garden soil mixes can reach $60–$80/yd³. Bagged topsoil from a hardware store costs the equivalent of $80–$150 per cubic yard — significantly more expensive than bulk delivery for large quantities.

How much does topsoil compact after placement?

Freshly placed topsoil typically compacts 10–20% as it settles and moisture works through it. If you need a finished depth of 4 inches, install 4.5–5 inches to account for settling. The calculator's waste factor field covers this — set it to 15–20% when filling and grading so your finished grade is correct after settlement.

Can I use the topsoil calculator for irregularly shaped areas?

Yes — break the area into rectangles, run the calculator for each section, and add the results together. For circles (like a tree ring), use π × radius² for the area in square feet, then enter that manually as a custom length × width that equals the same square footage. For kidney-shaped or organic beds, estimate a bounding rectangle and subtract obvious voids — then add 10–15% waste rather than 10%.

Topsoil Calculator

Enter your area dimensions and fill depth to instantly calculate topsoil volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, equivalent bag count, and total material cost estimate.

Free to use No sign-up required Industry-standard density factors Imperial & metric supported

✓ Volume in cubic yards & cubic feet ✓ Weight in short tons ✓ Bag count equivalent ✓ Last verified May 2026

Reviewed by the AllConcreteCalculator.com editorial team — density factors and volume formulas verified against ASTM D698 and industry supplier standards, May 2026.

Enter Your Area Dimensions

Area Length

Measure the longest dimension of your area. Please enter a valid length greater than 0.

Area Width

The shorter dimension of your area. Please enter a valid width greater than 0.

Fill Depth

Lawn/repair: 2–4 in. New lawn: 4–6 in. Garden bed: 8–12 in.

Please enter a valid depth greater than 0.

Waste / Settling Factor (%)

Add 10% for standard installs. Add 15–20% to account for soil settling after placement.

Price per Cubic Yard (optional)

Leave blank to skip cost estimate. US average: $20–$55/yd³ for screened bulk topsoil.

Results appear instantly. No sign-up required.

Your Topsoil Estimate

Topsoil Volume (with waste & settling)

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Cubic Yards (yd³)

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Cubic Feet (ft³)

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Cubic Meters (m³)

Equivalent Bags of Topsoil (includes settling factor)

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40 lb bags (~0.75 ft³)

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1 cu ft bags

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Short Tons (weight)

— Area (sq ft)

— Area (m²)

— Fill Depth

— Waste Factor

Estimated Material Cost

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Bulk topsoil material cost only. Add delivery ($50–$150), spreading labor ($30–$60/hr), and any amendments (compost, fertilizer) for a full project budget.

Step 1: Convert all dimensions to feet
Step 2: Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Step 3: Cubic Yards = ft³ ÷ 27
Step 4: Final Volume = Volume × (1 + waste% ÷ 100)
Step 5: Weight (tons) = Final yd³ × 1.1 short tons/yd³
Step 6: 40 lb bags = CEIL(Final ft³ ÷ 0.75) — never round down

Density: 2,200 lbs/yd³ (screened topsoil avg) | 40 lb bag = 0.75 ft³ | 1 cu ft bag = 1.0 ft³

How to Use This Topsoil Calculator

Measure your area and determine fill depth. Use a tape measure to get the length and width of the area you're filling or top-dressing. Walk the perimeter if it's a lawn — accuracy here directly affects how many yards you order. For the depth, decide what you're trying to achieve: a 2-inch topdress, a 4–6 inch new lawn layer, or a full 8–12 inch garden bed. Record both in whatever units are convenient — the calculator converts for you.
Select units and enter your values. Choose feet, inches, meters, or centimeters from the dropdowns. Use the depth quick-select buttons — [2 in], [4 in], [6 in], [12 in] — for the most common applications without typing. Make sure each field is in the correct unit before calculating. Mixing up feet and inches in the depth field is the single most common error with this calculator.
Set your waste and settling factor. The default is 10%, which covers minor spills and uneven subgrade. For freshly graded areas where significant settling is expected, increase to 15–20%. Never reduce below 5% — topsoil compresses more than most people expect, and coming up short means a second delivery with another minimum charge.
Use your results to order materials. The cubic yards figure is what you give the bulk supplier when ordering delivery. The bag counts tell you how many bags to buy at a hardware store if your order is small. One cubic yard fills 324 square feet at 1 inch deep — use that as a quick mental check. Confirm final quantities with your supplier before ordering, as bulk pricing often has tier breaks at 5, 10, and 20 yards.

⚠ Pro Tip: Order by the yard — never by the bag for anything over 2 cubic yards. Bulk topsoil delivered by the yard costs $20–$55/yd³. The equivalent in 40-lb bags runs $80–$120/yd³ once you do the math. For 5 yards of topsoil, buying bags means spending 2–3x more and spending hours hauling. One phone call to a local landscaping supplier or concrete batch plant saves hundreds of dollars.

Topsoil Volume Formula

The calculation follows the standard volumetric formula for bulk materials. Here's the full process step by step, using a 20 × 15 ft area at 4 inches deep as the worked example:

Step	Formula	Example (20 × 15 ft, 4 in)
1. Convert depth to feet	inches ÷ 12	4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
2. Volume in cubic feet	L × W × D	20 × 15 × 0.333 = 100 ft³
3. Convert to cubic yards	ft³ ÷ 27	100 ÷ 27 = 3.70 yd³
4. Add waste factor (10%)	Volume × 1.10	3.70 × 1.10 = 4.07 yd³
5. Weight in short tons	yd³ × 1.10 tons/yd³	4.07 × 1.10 = 4.48 tons
6. 40 lb bags needed	CEIL(ft³ × 1.10 ÷ 0.75)	CEIL(110 ÷ 0.75) = 147 bags

Common Area & Depth Reference Table

Topsoil volumes for common area sizes and depths — no waste factor applied. Add 10% for real-world ordering.
Area Size	Depth	Cubic Feet	Cubic Yards	Short Tons
10 × 10 ft (100 ft²)	2 in	16.7 ft³	0.62 yd³	0.68 tons
10 × 10 ft (100 ft²)	4 in	33.3 ft³	1.23 yd³	1.36 tons
10 × 10 ft (100 ft²)	6 in	50.0 ft³	1.85 yd³	2.04 tons
20 × 20 ft (400 ft²)	2 in	66.7 ft³	2.47 yd³	2.72 tons
20 × 20 ft (400 ft²)	4 in	133.3 ft³	4.94 yd³	5.43 tons
20 × 20 ft (400 ft²)	6 in	200.0 ft³	7.41 yd³	8.15 tons
50 × 50 ft (2,500 ft²)	4 in	833.3 ft³	30.86 yd³	33.95 tons
100 × 100 ft (10,000 ft²)	4 in	3,333 ft³	123.5 yd³	135.8 tons
20 × 50 ft (1,000 ft²)	6 in	500 ft³	18.52 yd³	20.37 tons

Density assumed at 2,200 lbs/yd³ (dry screened topsoil). Moist or clay-heavy topsoil may weigh up to 2,800 lbs/yd³. No waste factor applied above — add 10% minimum for ordering.

How Deep Should You Apply Topsoil?

Fill depth is the most important variable in your topsoil order — and the most commonly underestimated. Too little and you won't support plant growth. Too much without proper subgrade preparation can cause drainage problems. The table below reflects industry-standard recommendations for common applications.

Recommended topsoil fill depth by application type.
Application	Recommended Depth	Coverage at That Depth (per yd³)	Notes
Lawn topdress / overseeding	1–2 inches	162–324 sq ft/yd³	Screen or sift for topdressing; rake level
Lawn repair / low-spot fill	2–4 inches	81–162 sq ft/yd³	Compact lightly before seeding
New lawn establishment	4–6 inches	54–81 sq ft/yd³	Minimum 4 in for sod; 6 in preferred for seed
Lawn from scratch (ideal)	6–8 inches	40–54 sq ft/yd³	Best root depth; rototill into existing subsoil
Flower / shrub bed	8–12 inches	27–40 sq ft/yd³	Mix with compost 50/50 for best results
Raised vegetable garden	12–18 inches	18–27 sq ft/yd³	Use blended garden soil, not straight topsoil
Tree planting backfill	Match rootball depth	Varies	Do not amend heavily; match native soil texture

When filling a lawn from scratch, rototill the top 2–3 inches of your existing subsoil before placing topsoil. This prevents the sharp horizontal boundary between layers that causes drainage problems and root stunting. Blending the layers together — even partially — makes a significant difference in long-term lawn health.

Common Mistakes When Ordering Topsoil

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Confusing depth in feet versus depth in inches. A 6-inch layer is 0.5 feet — not 6 feet. Entering "6" into a calculator with the unit set to "feet" gives you a 6-foot-deep fill, which is an order of magnitude more material than you need. This is the single most expensive estimating error in topsoil projects. Always double-check your unit selection before calculating.
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Buying bags when you need bulk delivery. Bagged topsoil at a hardware store costs the equivalent of $80–$150 per cubic yard. Bulk topsoil delivered by a landscaping supplier costs $20–$55 per yard. For anything more than 2 cubic yards, bulk is always cheaper — often by $200–$500 on a typical lawn project. Call a local supplier before defaulting to bags.
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Ignoring settling and compaction. Freshly placed topsoil settles 10–20% after rain and foot traffic. If you install 4 inches and it settles to 3.3 inches, you've lost a quarter of your layer. Order 15–20% extra for any area that will be graded, compacted, or heavily trafficked during installation. The calculator's waste factor field is specifically designed for this.
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Ordering unscreened topsoil for lawn applications. Raw or unscreened topsoil contains clods, rocks, debris, and sometimes weed seeds. Screened topsoil is sifted to remove particles over 3/4 inch, giving a consistent fine texture that's essential for seeding and sod work. Always specify screened topsoil for lawns. Unscreened material is fine for fill below a capped layer but will cause problems if it's the finish grade.
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Not planning for truck access and delivery placement. A bulk topsoil delivery arrives in a dump truck. If the truck can't reach your backyard, the soil gets dumped at the street — and you're moving it by hand or wheelbarrow. Measure gate widths, overhanging branches, and soft ground that might bog down a 30,000-lb loaded truck. Ask your supplier for their truck dimensions before delivery day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Multiply the area's length by width by depth — all in feet — to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, a 20 × 15 ft area at 4 inches (0.333 ft) deep = 100 ft³ ÷ 27 = 3.70 yd³. Then multiply by 1.10 to add a 10% waste and settling factor, giving you 4.07 yd³ to order. This calculator does all of that instantly.
At 4 inches deep, 1,000 sq ft requires about 12.3 yd³ before waste. At 6 inches deep, about 18.5 yd³. At a 2-inch topdress, around 6.2 yd³. Add 10% for ordering: so 13.6 yd³, 20.4 yd³, and 6.8 yd³ respectively. Use the calculator above with your actual dimensions for the most accurate estimate.
Dry screened topsoil weighs approximately 2,000–2,200 lbs per cubic yard, or about 1 short ton. Moist topsoil or clay-heavy blends can reach 2,500–2,800 lbs per yard. This calculator uses 2,200 lbs/yd³ as the standard estimate. If your topsoil is notably heavy or clay-rich, increase the weight estimate by 15–25% for accurate truck load planning.
For a new lawn, 4–6 inches is the minimum; 6–8 inches gives better root development. For topdressing an existing lawn, 1–2 inches is standard. For flower and shrub beds, aim for 8–12 inches. For vegetable gardens, 12–18 inches lets roots run deep. For filling low spots, just match the surrounding grade. Going deeper than needed wastes money without meaningful benefit.
A standard 40-lb bag of topsoil contains about 0.75 cubic feet. Since there are 27 cubic feet per cubic yard, you need 36 bags to equal 1 cubic yard. A 1-cubic-foot bag requires 27 bags per yard. Bags are only practical and economical for very small areas — anything over 1–2 cubic yards is significantly cheaper purchased as bulk delivery.
Topsoil is the upper 2–8 inches of naturally occurring soil, rich in organic matter, nutrients, and biology that supports plant growth. Fill dirt is inert subsoil used to raise elevation or fill voids — it cannot sustain plants on its own. For large grade changes, the economical approach is to use fill dirt to build elevation and cap with 4–6 inches of topsoil on top. Never use fill dirt as your finish growing medium.
Screened bulk topsoil typically costs $15–$55 per cubic yard for the material, depending on your region and the quality of the soil. Delivery adds $50–$150. Premium blended mixes with compost or organic matter can reach $60–$80 per yard. By comparison, bagged topsoil from a hardware store costs the equivalent of $80–$150 per cubic yard — significantly more expensive than bulk for any quantity over 1–2 yards.
Freshly placed topsoil typically settles 10–20% after initial rains and traffic. If you install 6 inches targeting a finished depth of 6 inches, you may end up with 5 inches after settling. For final-grade work, install 15–20% more than your target depth and allow it to settle before seeding or sodding. The calculator's waste and settling factor field handles this — set it to 15–20% for critical grade work.
Yes — break any irregular area into rectangles, run the calculator for each section, and add the results. For a circular area like a tree ring or round bed, calculate the area (π × radius²) in square feet, then enter a length and width that multiplies to that same square footage. For kidney-shaped or organic beds, estimate a bounding rectangle and subtract obvious voids, then use a 15% waste factor instead of 10% to compensate.
Yes — for any application deeper than 2 inches, rototill the existing surface to a depth of 2–3 inches before placing topsoil. This breaks the sharp layer boundary between native soil and new topsoil, improving drainage, root penetration, and microbial continuity. Without tilling, you create a perched water table at the layer boundary that can suffocate roots and cause waterlogging even in otherwise well-draining soils. For a simple topdress of 1–2 inches, tilling is optional but still beneficial.