Find out how much topsoil you need for a new lawn, garden or raised bed. This topsoil calculator gives cubic yards, tons, bags and cost.
How to calculate topsoil
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Example
A 20 × 30 ft area for a new lawn, 4 inches of topsoil: 600 × 0.333 = 200 cubic feet = 7.4 cubic yards. At about 1.1 tons per yard, that is roughly 8 tons.
How much topsoil do I need?
- New lawn from seed or sod: commonly 4–6 inches.
- Garden beds: 6–12 inches, mixed with compost.
- Raised beds: fill to the bed height, often with a soil and compost blend.
- Top-dressing an existing lawn: a thin layer, about ¼ to ½ inch.
How much does topsoil weigh?
Dry topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons (2,200 lb) per cubic yard. Moist soil can weigh much more. Change the density if your supplier lists a different weight.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil are in a yard?
36 bags of 0.75 cu ft, or 27 bags of 1 cu ft.
Should I add extra?
Yes. Soil settles, so add 10–20% for loose fill, more if it will be compacted.