DIY CalculatorLoose topsoil settles by 10–20% after watering, so the calculator adds 10% by default — raise it if you are filling a deep raised bed.
How much topsoil do you need?
- Top-dressing an existing lawn: 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
- New lawn from seed or sod: 4–6 inches.
- Vegetable beds: 8–12 inches of good soil.
- Raised beds: the full height of the bed, plus 10–20% for settling.
How much topsoil for common areas (cubic yards / tons, no extra added)
| Area | 1 in deep | 2 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.31 yd³ / 0.34 t | 0.62 yd³ / 0.68 t | 1.23 yd³ / 1.36 t | 1.85 yd³ / 2.04 t |
| 200 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ / 0.68 t | 1.23 yd³ / 1.36 t | 2.47 yd³ / 2.72 t | 3.7 yd³ / 4.07 t |
| 500 sq ft | 1.54 yd³ / 1.7 t | 3.09 yd³ / 3.4 t | 6.17 yd³ / 6.79 t | 9.26 yd³ / 10.19 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ / 3.4 t | 6.17 yd³ / 6.79 t | 12.35 yd³ / 13.58 t | 18.52 yd³ / 20.37 t |
Tons assume 2,200 lb per cubic yard. Add extra for waste and settling when you order.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width (or the diameter of a round area). Use any unit — feet, inches, yards or meters.
- Split odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each one with “Add another area”.
- Enter the depth. Results update as you type: cubic yards, tons and bags.
- Optionally enter a price to estimate the cost.
Add this calculator to your website
Run a landscaping supply, garden center or DIY blog? Paste this code into your page to let visitors use the topsoil calculator right there. It is free, has no ads, and resizes itself to fit.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
About 2,000–2,200 lb when dry, and up to 3,000 lb when wet. That is why a yard of topsoil is often too heavy for a small pickup.
How many bags of topsoil make a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet: 36 bags of 0.75 cubic foot, or 27 bags of 1 cubic foot.
Is it cheaper to buy bags or bulk?
For anything over about 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per cubic yard than bags, though you pay a delivery fee. Bags make sense for small jobs, top-ups and places a truck can’t reach.