Topsoil Calculator — How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Enter your area and depth to get topsoil in cubic yards. No sign-up, no data stored.
Topsoil needed
How topsoil volume is estimated
- Cubic feet = length x width x depth (in) / 12.
- Cubic yards = cu ft / 27.
- Bags = ceil(cu ft / 0.75) for 40-lb bags.
- Tons = cu yd x 1.1 (screened topsoil, moist).
Topsoil settles 10-20% after the first good watering, so add 10% to your order and spread " "slightly high - a 3-in spec becomes a 3.3-in layer that settles to target. Bulk deliveries have " "minimums (usually 5-10 yd), so small beds often work out cheaper in bags despite the unit price.
Area → topsoil reference
At 3-in depth, before settling allowance.
| Area | Cu ft | Cu yd | 40-lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 25 | 0.9 | 34 |
| 250 sq ft | 62.5 | 2.3 | 84 |
| 500 sq ft | 125 | 4.6 | 167 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 250 | 9.3 | 334 |
Last updated: October 2026 · Add 10% for settling. Screening and moisture change the weight - 1.1 tons/yd is a moist screened average.
Topsoil FAQ
Screened topsoil is sifted of rocks and clods - worth it for lawns and beds. Unscreened is " "cheaper and fine for fill, but expect stones and digging surprises. Most landscapers spec " "screened for anything you'll plant in.
Spring and fall, when grass is actively growing - the layer knits in before the stress of " "summer heat or winter. Spreading over frozen or waterlogged ground compacts it into a hard pan " "that roots can't penetrate.
For a 3-in topdress, no - the grass grows through. For 4-6 in of new soil, either kill the " "lawn first or the old turf becomes a buried layer that roots stall on. Sheet-mulching with " "cardboard kills grass while you wait.
For shallow dips, yes - up to 3-4 in. Deep regrading needs subsoil fill first, then topsoil " "on top, or you'll burn money on expensive soil that only hides the slope. Test the low spots " "with a level string before ordering.
Grab a moist handful: good soil holds a ball but crumbles when poked, smells earthy, and has " "no sour or ammonia smell. A $20 lab test for pH and organic matter is the reliable way before " "a big lawn project.
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Depth rules, settling and delivery math for soil projects.
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