Topsoil Calculator
Enter your area dimensions and fill depth to calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, bags, and tons of topsoil needed.
Area dimensions
4–6″ for new lawns
Results
Cubic Yards
—
yd³
Cubic Feet
—
ft³
40 lb Bags
—
bags (0.75 ft³ ea)
Tons
—
short tons (est.)
How Much Topsoil Do You Need?
Topsoil is ordered in cubic yards for bulk delivery, or bought in bags for smaller jobs. Multiply length by width by depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Topsoil weighs roughly 2,700 lbs per cubic yard.
A standard 40 lb bag of topsoil fills about 0.75 cubic feet. For most projects over 2–3 cubic yards, bulk delivery is significantly more cost-effective.
Topsoil Depth by Application
| Application | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Lawn topdressing | 1–2 inches |
| Overseeding existing lawn | 2–3 inches |
| New lawn establishment | 4–6 inches |
| Raised garden beds | 8–12 inches |
| Low spot filling | Varies — level to grade |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
- At 4 inches deep you need roughly 1 cubic yard per 81 square feet. A 1,000 sq ft lawn needs about 12.4 cubic yards. Use the calculator above for your exact dimensions.
- How many bags of topsoil equal a cubic yard?
- A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. A 40 lb bag fills about 0.75 cubic feet, so you need approximately 36 bags to equal one cubic yard. Bulk is almost always cheaper at that scale.
- What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
- Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil and is used for lawns and gardens. Fill dirt is subsoil without organic matter, used for grading and leveling — not for growing plants.