Topsoil Calculator
Calculate topsoil cubic feet, cubic yards, cubic meters, and approximate tons from bed or lawn length, width, and depth.
How to use this topsoil calculator
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard in the US. Lawns being regraded often want 2–4 inches; new raised beds may want 8–12 inches of mix. One yard covers 81 sq ft at 4 inches (27 cu ft ÷ 0.333 ft). Screened topsoil is heavier when wet — the ton estimate uses about 1.2 tons per yard.
If you are spreading mulch on top of soil, calculate soil first, then open the Mulch Calculator for the dressing. Compost blends can be lighter than the ton factor here; ask the landscape yard for their density if you are buying by the ton instead of the yard.
Formula
Worked example
A 30×20 ft garden, 4 in of soil: 30×20×(4/12) = 200 cu ft = 7.41 cu yd ≈ 5.7 m³ ≈ 8.9 tons.
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Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need?
Square feet × depth in feet = cubic feet. Divide by 27 for yards.
How many cubic yards to cover 1,000 sq ft?
At 4 inches, 1,000 × 0.333 ÷ 27 ≈ 12.3 yards.
How many tons is a yard of topsoil?
Often 1.1–1.4 tons. This tool uses 1.2 as a planning average.
Topsoil vs fill dirt?
Topsoil is for growing. Fill dirt is for grading and is usually cheaper and heavier.
Can I use bags?
Bags are typically 0.75–1 cu ft. For more than a yard, bulk is cheaper — compare with the Mulch Calculator bag math.
Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, legal, or professional advice. Last reviewed 2026-08-19.