Topsoil Calculator

The Topsoil Calculator tells you exactly how much topsoil to order for a lawn, garden bed, or landscaping project — so you don't overspend or run short. Select your area shape (rectangle, circle, triangle, or total area) and enter the dimensions, depth, topsoil type, and a settling & waste percentage to get your topsoil needed in cubic yards. Secondary outputs include volume in cubic feet, number of bags, estimated weight in tons, and total area. Also try the Stone Calculator.

inches

Typical depth is 2-6 inches for most projects

%

Typically 10-20% extra for settling and waste

Results

Topsoil Needed

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Volume in Cubic Feet

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Bags Needed (0.75 cu ft)

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Estimated Weight

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Total Area

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Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should my topsoil be?

For most lawn patching, 2-3 inches is sufficient. New garden beds typically need 4-6 inches, while vegetable gardens perform best with 6-8 inches of quality topsoil. See also our Fence Calculator.

What's the difference between screened topsoil, compost mix and fill dirt?

Screened topsoil is filtered to remove debris and is ideal for lawns. Compost mix contains organic matter and nutrients, perfect for gardens. Fill dirt is unscreened and best for leveling areas where plants won't grow.

How many bags of topsoil are in one cubic yard?

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. If using standard 0.75 cubic foot bags, you'll need 36 bags per cubic yard. For 1 cubic foot bags, you'll need 27 bags.

Should I buy bagged or bulk topsoil?

For projects requiring more than 3-4 cubic yards, bulk topsoil is typically more economical. For smaller projects or areas with difficult access, bagged topsoil offers convenience and easier handling. You might also find our Paver Calculator useful.

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

A cubic yard of topsoil typically weighs between 1,000-1,300 pounds (0.5-0.65 tons) when dry. Wet topsoil can weigh significantly more, up to 1,800 pounds per cubic yard.

Why do I need to add extra for settling and waste?

Topsoil naturally settles and compacts over time, and some material may be lost during transport or application. Adding 10-20% extra ensures you have adequate coverage after settling occurs.

Can I use this calculator for raised beds?

Yes, this calculator works perfectly for raised beds. Use the rectangle option and enter your bed dimensions. For raised beds, you'll typically want 6-12 inches of depth depending on what you're growing.

What type of topsoil is best for vegetables?

Compost or garden mix is ideal for vegetables as it contains organic matter and nutrients. Look for topsoil with a pH between 6.0-7.0 and good drainage properties for optimal vegetable growth. Check out our Polymeric Sand Calculator as well.