Topsoil Calculator
Estimate the topsoil you need for a garden, lawn, raised bed, or leveling project.
How to measure depth
For raised beds, measure the interior depth you want to fill. For leveling, estimate the average depth across the low area, not the deepest dip.
How we calculated it
We calculate the volume of soil you need — length × width × depth in feet — add any allowance for settling, then divide by your bag size and round up. Cubic yards are shown too, since bulk topsoil is sold by the yard.
Things that can change your result
- Loose soil settles once watered — filling and leveling jobs often take 5–10% more than the math.
- Bag sizes vary a lot (0.75 to 2 cubic feet) — check what your store actually stocks.
- If you’re topdressing a lawn, half an inch is usually the maximum per application.
Buying tips
- For anything above a couple of cubic yards, priced-by-the-yard bulk delivery usually wins.
- Topsoil vs. garden soil vs. compost are different products — this calculator works for all, but prices differ.
- Order bulk soil for a dry day — wet soil is dramatically heavier to move.
Common mistakes
- Filling a raised bed to the brim — leave an inch or two so watering doesn’t overflow.
- Ignoring settling on deep fills.
- Confusing cubic feet with square feet when comparing bags.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
27 one-cubic-foot bags, or 36 bags at 0.75 cubic feet — which is why bulk delivery wins for big jobs.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
Most lawns want at least 4–6 inches of quality topsoil. For overseeding or repairs, a ¼–½ inch topdressing is typical.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1 to 1.3 tons depending on moisture — most pickup trucks can carry about half a yard safely.