Topsoil Calculator
If you're asking "how much topsoil do I need" for a new lawn, a garden bed, or a leveling project, this free topsoil calculator gives you the answer in seconds. Enter your area and target depth to see exactly how much topsoil to order in cubic yards, how many bags that equals, and an estimated total weight.
Enter your numbers
Your results
Enter your measurements to see how much topsoil you need.
How to use this calculator
Measure the length and width of your area in feet — or the diameter, straight across, for a round bed — and decide how deep the topsoil should be in inches. Choose the matching shape above, enter the three numbers, and the calculator answers "how much topsoil do I need" instantly.
Your results come in the units suppliers actually sell by: cubic yards for bulk delivery, plus the number of standard 1.5 cu ft bags if you'd rather buy bagged. You also get an estimated total weight, which helps when planning delivery or hauling it yourself.
For uneven ground, take depth measurements in several spots and use the average. Rounding your depth up slightly gives a small safety margin so you don't run short.
How it works
The math is a simple volume calculation: multiply the ground area by the depth in feet. For a rectangle:
cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × (depth (in) ÷ 12)
For a circle, the area is π × radius²:
cubic feet = π × (diameter (ft) ÷ 2)² × (depth (in) ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27, since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard. The bag count is cubic feet ÷ 1.5 (the volume of a standard bag), rounded up to the next whole bag — you can't buy half a bag.
The weight is only an estimate: estimated tons = cubic yards × 1.3. Topsoil bulk density varies widely (roughly 1.0–1.6 tons per cubic yard) depending on moisture, sand, and compost content, so treat the weight as a planning figure, not a bill-of-materials number.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a 10×10 area?
For a 10 ft × 10 ft area with 3 inches of topsoil, you need 25 cubic feet — about 0.93 cubic yards — which is 17 standard 1.5 cu ft bags. Enter your own size and depth above to get an exact answer.
How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet and a standard bag holds 1.5 cubic feet, so one cubic yard equals 18 bags. Order to the next whole bag, since a partial cubic yard still requires full bags.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
A cubic yard of topsoil typically weighs between 1.0 and 1.6 tons (2,000–3,200 lbs) depending on moisture and composition, so this calculator uses 1.3 tons per cubic yard as a middle estimate. Confirm with your supplier before arranging delivery.
How deep should topsoil be for a garden bed?
Most garden beds do best with 6 to 8 inches of topsoil over existing soil, new lawns need about 4 to 6 inches, and topdressing an established lawn only needs 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Deeper is better for root crops, but it also means more material to buy and move.
Should I buy topsoil in bulk or in bags?
Bulk topsoil, delivered by the cubic yard, is usually far cheaper once you need more than about one cubic yard, while bags are convenient for small beds and easy transport. Compare your local price per yard against the bag count from this calculator.