Topsoil Calculator
Work out how much topsoil your raised beds, lawn repair or new garden needs. Enter the bed size and the depth, and see cubic yards, cubic feet and bags in one go.
| Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Area to fill | 40 sq ft |
| 0.75 cu ft bags | 30 |
| Estimated cost | $29 |
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How Topsoil Calculator Works
Four quick steps happen behind the screen every time you change a number.
Multiplies out each bed
Length, width and depth give the soil volume of one bed in cubic feet.
Counts every bed
The volume is multiplied by the number of matching beds you enter.
Adds a settling allowance
Fresh soil drops as it is watered, so a percentage is added to keep the bed full.
Switches to your buying unit
The total is shown in cubic yards for bulk orders and in 0.75 cubic foot bags for small jobs.
How to Use Topsoil Calculator
Five quick steps take you from a tape measure to a usable result.
- Measure each bedTake the length and width of the bed, lawn patch or planter.
- Set the soil depthUse 4 inches for lawn repair, 6 inches for flower beds and 12 inches for vegetables.
- Enter how many bedsIf you have several beds of the same size, type the count and the total is done for you.
- Keep the extra at 10 percentSoil settles after the first watering, so a small top up is normal.
- Compare bulk and bagsBulk delivery is cheaper for more than a yard or two. Bags suit small beds.
Formula Used in Topsoil Calculator
These are the standard formulas behind every result, so you can check the numbers yourself.
Soil volume
L and W are in feet, D is in inches, and V is in cubic feet.
Cubic yards
There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.
Bags
A standard bag holds 0.75 cubic feet.
Worked example
One bed measuring 10 ft by 4 ft filled 6 inches deep holds 10 × 4 × 0.5 = 20 cubic feet. With 10 percent extra that is 22 cubic feet, or 0.81 cubic yards, which is about 30 bags.
Topsoil Depth Chart
Cubic yards of topsoil per 100 square feet of ground at common depths.
| Depth | Cu yd per 100 sq ft | Sq ft per cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 0.62 | 162 |
| 3 inches | 0.93 | 108 |
| 4 inches | 1.23 | 81 |
| 6 inches | 1.85 | 54 |
| 8 inches | 2.47 | 40 |
| 12 inches | 3.70 | 27 |
Figures are before any settling allowance.
Topsoil for Common Bed Sizes
Soil needed at a 6 inch depth, with 10 percent extra for settling.
| Size | Cu yd | Cu ft | Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 4 ft | 0.33 | 8.8 | 12 |
| 4 × 8 ft | 0.65 | 17.6 | 24 |
| 4 × 12 ft | 0.98 | 26.4 | 36 |
| 10 × 10 ft | 2.04 | 55 | 74 |
| 15 × 20 ft | 6.11 | 165 | 220 |
| 25 × 40 ft | 20.37 | 550 | 734 |
One cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons.
Common Topsoil Mistakes
Four slips that throw off the result, and how to avoid them.
Using the wrong depth
Lawn repair needs far less soil than a vegetable bed. Match the depth to the job.
Ignoring settling
Loose topsoil can drop an inch or more after watering. Add the allowance so the bed stays level.
Counting bags for a large area
Bagged soil costs much more per yard. Switch to bulk delivery once you pass about two cubic yards.
Filling a raised bed with soil alone
Many raised beds do better with a soil and compost mix. Plan the mix before you order.
Tools You Must Know
One number is rarely enough for a yard project. These calculators pair well with this one.
Topsoil Calculator FAQs
Quick answers before you order materials.
How do I calculate topsoil in cubic yards?
Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. The calculator also adds a settling allowance.
How much topsoil do I need for a lawn?
For new grass, spread 4 to 6 inches. For levelling low spots, 1 to 2 inches is usually enough.
How deep should topsoil be in a vegetable bed?
Aim for 8 to 12 inches so roots have room to grow and the bed drains well.
How many bags make a cubic yard?
A cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet, which is 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
It weighs about 1.1 tons, though wet soil is heavier. Ask your supplier for the exact weight.
Is the Topsoil Calculator free?
Yes. It is free, with no signup, and it supports feet or metres.
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