Topsoil Calculator
Starting a lawn, topping up beds or filling a raised planter? Enter your area and soil depth to see cubic yards, tons and bag counts.
Results
How the topsoil calculator works
The math is simple: multiply the length and width of the area to get square footage, then multiply by the depth of the layer to get volume. Suppliers sell by the cubic yard (27 cubic feet), so the calculator divides by 27, and uses the material's density to convert volume into weight.
Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards, then cubic feet × density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000 = US tons.
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| New lawn from seed | 4–6" |
| New lawn from sod | 2–4" |
| Top-dressing existing lawn | ¼–½" |
| Vegetable garden | 8–12" |
| Raised bed (fill) | full height |
Tips before you order
- For raised beds, a 50/50 topsoil–compost blend beats pure topsoil for vegetables.
- Topsoil settles about 10–15% after watering — the calculator's 10% extra accounts for this.
- A 40 lb bag holds roughly 0.75 cubic feet — a cubic yard equals about 36 bags.
- Grass roots need at least 4" of decent soil; laying sod on 1" of topsoil over builder's fill is why new-construction lawns struggle.
Frequently asked questions
How many 40 lb bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?
About 36 bags. A 40 lb bag contains roughly 0.75 cubic feet, and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
Plan for 4–6 inches of topsoil when seeding. For a 1,000 sq ft lawn at 4 inches, that's about 12.3 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry screened topsoil weighs about 2,000 lb (1 ton) per cubic yard; moist soil runs 2,200–2,400 lb.
Is bulk topsoil better than bagged?
Bulk is much cheaper per yard ($20–50 vs $80+ bagged equivalent) but quality varies — ask if it's screened and from where. Bags are consistent and easier to move but cost more.