Topsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil to order for lawns, leveling and garden beds.
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Currency: Amounts are calculated in the currency you select; this site does not convert between currencies and does not use live exchange rates.
What this tool does
This tool calculates the topsoil needed to cover an area at a set depth, in cubic yards and tons, with a cost estimate — useful for new lawns, leveling low spots or building up beds.
How to use the Topsoil Calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area.
- Enter the depth you want to fill.
- Choose the material so the correct density is used.
- Enter your supplier's price per ton.
- Order the volume or tonnage shown, rounded up.
Formula
yd³ = L × W × (D ÷ 12) ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × density ÷ 2,000
- L, W
- Length and width in feet
- D
- Depth in inches
- density
- Material weight in lb per cubic yard
Densities are typical loose values; moisture and gradation change actual weight by ±10%.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft area filled 4 in deep with topsoil (dry, screened).
Inputs
- Length20 ft
- Width10 ft
- Depth4 in
- MaterialTopsoil (dry, screened) (2,200 lb/yd³)
- Price per ton$35
Result
- Volume needed2.47 cu yd
- Weight2.72 US tons
- Volume66.67 cu ft
- Area covered200 sq ft
- Estimated cost$95.06
Material density (per cubic yard)
| Material | Weight | US tons |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil (dry, screened) | 2,200 lb | 1.10 tons |
| Garden soil mix | 1,800 lb | 0.90 tons |
Results explained
- Volume needed
- Cubic yards to order (how most yards sell bulk material).
- Weight
- Tons, for quarries that sell by weight and to check truck capacity.
- Volume (cu ft)
- Same volume in cubic feet, useful for bagged products.
- Area covered
- Surface area of the bed or base.
- Estimated cost
- Tons × your price per ton, before delivery.
Frequently asked questions
At 4 in deep, 1,000 sq ft needs 12.3 cubic yards.
At least 4 inches; 6 inches is ideal for a deep-rooted lawn.
About 1.1 tons dry.
Most landscape yards sell by the cubic yard; quarries often sell by the ton. This tool gives both.
Up to ½ inch can be top-dressed; thicker layers smother grass and need reseeding.