How much topsoil do I need?
Topsoil is the dark, nutrient rich layer spread under new lawns and over garden beds.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area above. The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, an estimated weight in tons, and the number of 1 cubic foot bags if you buy bagged topsoil. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for topsoil
This cubic yard calculator for topsoil works for any shape. Pick rectangle for most beds and slabs, circle for round areas, or trench for narrow runs. Open the price estimator under the calculator to add your supplier price, delivery fee, and tax. For a full cost breakdown, see the topsoil cost calculator.
Topsoil weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for topsoil is 2,200 pounds per cubic yard, which is 1.10 US tons. Moisture, particle size, and compaction move that number, so treat it as a starting point.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Pounds per cubic yard | 2,200 |
| US tons per cubic yard | 1.10 |
| Kilograms per cubic yard | 998 |
| Cubic yards per US ton | 0.91 |
| Cubic feet per US ton | 24.55 |
| 1 cubic foot bags per cubic yard | 27.0 |
How far does a cubic yard of topsoil go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for topsoil is 3 to 12 inches, and 4 inches is a common choice.
| Depth (inches) | Square feet covered | Square yards covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 | 36.0 |
| 2 | 162 | 18.0 |
| 3 | 108 | 12.0 |
| 4 | 81 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 54 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 40 | 4.5 |
| 12 | 27 | 3.0 |
Topsoil needed for common areas at 4 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons | 1 cubic foot bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.31 | 0.34 | 9 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 0.99 | 1.09 | 27 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 1.23 | 1.36 | 34 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 2.47 | 2.72 | 67 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 1.78 | 1.96 | 48 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 3.70 | 4.07 | 100 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 4.94 | 5.43 | 134 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 7.41 | 8.15 | 200 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 14.81 | 16.30 | 400 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 30.86 | 33.95 | 834 |
Worked example: 40 by 25 feet at 4 inches
The area is 40 feet times 25 feet, or 1,000 square feet. A depth of 4 inches is 0.33 feet. Volume is 1,000 times 0.33, which is 333.33 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 12.35 cubic yards. At 2,200 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 13.58 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 13.58 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering topsoil
- A new lawn is commonly started with 4 to 6 inches of topsoil.
- Screened topsoil costs more but is easier to rake and has fewer rocks.
- Ask about the organic matter content, since cheap fill is sometimes sold as topsoil.
Topsoil is heavier when wet, so a rainy delivery can weigh noticeably more than a dry one.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 40 by 25 foot area at 4 inches deep needs about 12.35 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
About 2,200 pounds, or 1.10 US tons, as a planning value. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How deep should topsoil be?
Most projects use 3 to 12 inches. 4 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of topsoil cover?
81 square feet at 4 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.
How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?
About 27 bags of the 1 cubic foot size, which yields about 1 cubic feet each.