MaterialSum

Topsoil Calculator

Measure the area and the depth of new soil you want — get cubic yards, bag counts, and approximate weight for delivery.

Dimensions
ft
ft
in
Material & Waste
Optional Cost
Enter your measurements above to see results.

How to use the Topsoil Calculator

  1. Measure the area you are topping up or building new beds on.
  2. Enter depth: 2–3 in to top-dress a lawn, 6–12 in for new raised beds.
  3. Choose soil condition — moisture changes the weight a lot (not the volume).

Formula & methodology

Volume = Area × Depth. Typical topsoil density: dry ~75 lb/ft³, moist ~90 lb/ft³, wet ~100 lb/ft³. Bag count uses 1.5 cu ft bags (common garden-soil size).

Example

Top-dressing a 20 ft × 20 ft lawn with 2 in of soil: 400 ft² × 0.167 ft ≈ 67 ft³ ≈ 2.5 cu yd — about 45 bags of 1.5 cu ft, or one bulk delivery.

Related calculators

Mulch CalculatorFind out how much mulch your garden beds need — whether you buy by the bag or by the truckload.Grass Seed CalculatorDifferent grasses need very different seeding rates — pick your type and lawn size, and buy exactly what you need.Sand CalculatorEnter area and depth to get the amount of sand you need — by volume, weight, or 50 lb bags.Landscape Rock CalculatorPick your rock type, measure the bed, and get the exact volume, tonnage, and bag count to order.

FAQ

How thick should new topsoil be for grass?

A new lawn needs 4–6 inches of good topsoil; top-dressing an existing lawn uses ¼–½ inch at a time so you do not smother the grass.

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

Roughly 1 ton (2,000–2,200 lb) when moist. A full pickup load is usually one yard max — consider delivery for more.

How many bags of soil equal a yard?

Eighteen 1.5 cu ft bags, or about nine 3 cu ft bags, equal one cubic yard.

Topsoil, garden soil, or compost — which do I need?

Topsoil for volume and grading, garden soil (pre-mixed) for raised beds, compost as an amendment mixed in rather than a fill material.