Topsoil Calculator
Work out how much topsoil you need for a new lawn, a garden bed or a raised bed. Enter the area and depth to get the volume in cubic yards, the approximate weight and the number of bags.
- In cubic feet
- 36.7 cu ft
- Approx. weight
- 1.63 tons
- Bags (0.75 cu ft (~40 lb))
- 49 bags
- Area covered
- 100 sq ft
How this calculator works
The calculator multiplies the area by the depth (converted from inches to feet) to get the volume in cubic feet, then divides by 27 for cubic yards.
Topsoil weight depends heavily on moisture and composition. The default of 1.2 tons per cubic yard is a typical figure for screened topsoil; wet soil can be heavier.
Soil settles once it is spread and watered, so the calculator adds 10% by default.
Example: a 20 × 10 ft area for a new lawn, 4 inches deep
- Area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft.
- Volume: 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cu ft.
- Add 10% for settling: 73.3 cu ft.
- In cubic yards: 73.3 ÷ 27 = 2.72 cu yd.
Quick reference
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Top-dressing an existing lawn | 0.25–0.5 in |
| Leveling low spots | 1–2 in |
| New lawn | 4–6 in |
| Flower or vegetable bed | 6–8 in |
| Raised bed | 8–12 in or full bed height |
Tips before you buy
- For raised beds, many gardeners use a blend of topsoil and compost rather than topsoil alone.
- Ask whether the supplier screens the soil to remove stones and debris.
- Plan deliveries for dry weather — wet topsoil is heavier and harder to spread.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft topsoil or 27 bags of 1 cu ft topsoil.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry topsoil typically weighs about 1 to 1.2 tons per cubic yard. Wet topsoil can weigh considerably more.
How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?
Multiply the length, width and height of the bed in feet. A 8 × 4 ft bed that is 1 ft deep needs 32 cubic feet, or about 1.2 cubic yards.
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Last updated October 25, 2026