A new lawn commonly needs 4 to 6 inches of topsoil. A 1,000 square foot lawn at 4 inches needs about 12.35 cubic yards.
Choose a depth
For seed or sod over poor soil, 4 to 6 inches gives roots room to grow. For a light top dressing, use a quarter to half inch. For raised beds, plan 8 to 12 inches.
The calculation
Area in square feet times depth in feet, divided by 27. For 1,000 square feet at 4 inches (0.333 feet): 333 cubic feet, or 12.35 cubic yards. Add 10 percent to cover settling.
Quality matters
Ask whether the topsoil is screened and how much organic matter it holds. Fill sold as topsoil can be heavy clay with few nutrients, which makes lawns struggle.
Spreading
Spread soil in dry weather, rake it level with surrounding hardscape, and roll lightly. Seed or sod promptly so the surface does not crust or wash away.
Frequently asked questions
How many yards of topsoil per 1,000 square feet?
About 3.1 cubic yards per inch of depth, so 12.4 at 4 inches.
Can I put topsoil over grass?
A thin layer works, but deep fill smothers grass and should be avoided.
How much does topsoil weigh?
Around 2,200 pounds per cubic yard, depending on moisture.