Free Landscape Calculator

Topsoil Calculator

Calculate exactly how many cubic yards and tons of topsoil you need for new lawns, garden beds and raised planters. Instant results with US cost estimates.

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Topsoil Calculator
Cubic yards, tons and cost
Dimensions
ft
ft
in
Quick Presets
📐 Your Results
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Cubic Yards
Order this
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Cubic Feet
Volume
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Tons
Weight
Estimated Cost
Avg. $15–$50/cubic yard
$—
💡 Always order 10–15% extra for waste and settling.

📊 Understanding Your Results

Cubic Yards — Standard unit for bulk topsoil delivery. Always order in cubic yards for accurate pricing.

Cubic Feet — One 40-pound bag of topsoil = approximately 0.75 cubic feet.

Tons — Topsoil averages 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Always add 15% extra for compaction and settling.

How the Topsoil Calculator Works

Our topsoil calculator uses volumetric calculations to estimate exactly how much topsoil you need. For a new lawn, you need a minimum of 4–6 inches of quality topsoil to support healthy grass root development.

The Topsoil Formula

Step 1: Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth (all in feet)
Step 2: Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Step 3: Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.1
Step 4: Add 15% for compaction and settling after watering

Example: A 20×15 ft lawn at 4 inches = 300 × (4÷12) = 100 cu ft = 3.7 cubic yards ≈ 4.1 tons. Order 4.5 yards.

Recommended Topsoil Depths by Project

Project TypeDepth1 Cu Yd Covers
Lawn top-dressing1–2 inches162–324 sq ft
New lawn seeding4–6 inches54–81 sq ft
Flower and garden beds6–8 inches40–54 sq ft
Raised garden beds10–12 inches27–32 sq ft
Grading and leveling4–6 inches54–81 sq ft

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about topsoil for lawns and garden projects.

How many cubic yards of topsoil for 1,000 square feet?
At 4 inches deep: 12.3 cubic yards. Add 15% for settling — order 14–15 cubic yards. At $28/yard, that’s approximately $392–$420 before delivery.
How deep should topsoil be for grass seed?
Grass seed needs a minimum of 4–6 inches of quality topsoil. For premium results, aim for 6 inches mixed with 20–30% compost.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is the natural upper layer of earth sold in bulk for large projects. Garden soil is a processed blend sold in bags for containers and raised beds. For large lawn areas, bulk topsoil is the economical choice.
How much does topsoil cost per cubic yard?
Bulk topsoil costs $12–$55 per cubic yard. Basic screened topsoil: $15–$30/yard. Premium topsoil: $30–$55/yard. Delivery adds $50–$150 per load.
Can I use fill dirt instead of topsoil?
Fill dirt is for structural grading only. Always top it with 4–6 inches of quality topsoil before planting or seeding. Never use fill dirt alone for lawns or garden beds.

💡 Pro Tips

Mix topsoil with 20–30% compost for best lawn results.

Till existing soil 4–6 inches deep before adding new topsoil.

Order 15% more than calculated — topsoil compacts after watering.