Home Improvement
Topsoil project details
Select the project and shape, enter the dimensions and depth, then compare bulk and bagged topsoil.
Topsoil Calculator
Estimate cubic yards, tons, bags, truck loads, delivery charges and total cost for lawn and garden projects.
Topsoil needed0 cubic yardsEnter your project details.
Bulk volume0 yd³
Estimated weight0 tons
Bagged topsoil0 bags
Best estimated cost$0.00
Buying guidance
Covered area0 ft²
Cubic feet0 ft³
Exact cubic yards0 yd³
Weight0 lb
Bag cost$0.00
Bulk + delivery$0.00
Pickup loads0 loads
Dump truck loads0 loads
How to calculate topsoil
Calculate the surface area, convert the desired soil depth from inches to feet, and multiply to find cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. The calculator then adds your extra allowance and estimates weight using the selected soil density.
Cubic yards = area × (depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Worked example
A 30 × 20 ft lawn covers 600 ft². A 1-inch layer requires 50 ft³, or about 1.85 yd³. With 10% extra, the project needs about 2.04 yd³. Ordering 2.25 yd³ allows for quarter-yard bulk increments.
Typical topsoil depths
- Lawn leveling: about ½–1 inch for light correction.
- New lawn: often 4–6 inches over poor subsoil.
- Garden beds: commonly 6–8 inches of amended soil.
- Raised beds: use the full interior depth, allowing for settling.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Topsoil commonly weighs roughly 2,000–2,400 pounds per cubic yard, depending on moisture, texture and compaction.
How many 40-pound bags equal one cubic yard?
At 2,200 pounds per cubic yard, one cubic yard is about 55 forty-pound bags. Actual bag yield varies by product.
Should I order extra topsoil?
Yes. Adding about 5–10% helps cover settling, uneven ground and measurement differences.
Can a pickup carry a full cubic yard?
Weight is usually the limiting factor. A cubic yard may weigh more than one ton, so check the vehicle payload rating before hauling.