Topsoil Calculator

How to use the topsoil calculator

This topsoil calculator helps you estimate how much soil you need for lawns, gardens, flower beds, landscaping projects, raised beds, and other areas. You only need three measurements: length, width, and desired topsoil depth.

1. Measure the length of the area.
2. Measure the width of the area.
3. Enter the desired topsoil depth in inches.
4. Enter the topsoil density if you have information from your supplier.
5. Optionally enter the price per cubic yard.
6. Click Calculate topsoil.

The calculator gives you the estimated amount of topsoil in cubic feet and cubic yards. It also estimates the weight in tons and the material cost when a price is provided.

How much topsoil do I need?

The amount of topsoil you need depends on the size of your area and the depth of soil you want to add. A larger area requires more topsoil, and increasing the depth also increases the amount required.

For example, a 20-foot by 10-foot area is 200 square feet. If you add 4 inches of topsoil, you need approximately 66.7 cubic feet of soil, which is about 2.47 cubic yards.

The calculator can help you determine the volume before you order soil by the cubic yard or another unit used by your local supplier.

How to calculate how much topsoil I need

To calculate the amount of topsoil required, multiply the length of the area by its width and then multiply the result by the desired soil depth. Make sure all measurements use compatible units.

If your depth is measured in inches, divide it by 12 to convert it to feet.

Once you have the volume in cubic feet, divide by 27 to convert it to cubic yards.

Topsoil calculator in yards

Topsoil is commonly sold by the cubic yard, making cubic yards one of the most useful measurements when ordering bulk soil.

One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. To calculate cubic yards of dirt or topsoil, first calculate the volume in cubic feet and then divide by 27.

For example, if your project requires 81 cubic feet of topsoil:

This means you would need approximately 3 cubic yards of topsoil before accounting for any extra material you may want for settling or uneven areas.

Calculate cubic yards of dirt

The same basic volume calculation can be used for dirt, soil, compost, mulch, and many other landscaping materials.

Measure the length and width of the area in feet, convert the depth to feet, and multiply the three measurements together.

Then divide the cubic-foot result by 27 to determine the number of cubic yards.

How deep should topsoil be?

The appropriate topsoil depth depends on what you are using it for. Lawn renovation, garden beds, planting areas, and general landscaping can require different amounts of soil.

For example, a thin layer may be enough for some lawn improvement projects, while a new garden bed may require a deeper layer of growing medium.

If you are following a landscape plan, planting recommendation, or professional specification, use the recommended depth for that project.

Topsoil coverage calculator

Topsoil coverage depends on both the amount of soil and the depth at which it is spread. The same amount of topsoil covers more square feet when spread thinly and fewer square feet when spread more deeply.

For example, 1 cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. If it is spread at 3 inches deep, convert 3 inches to 0.25 feet and divide the volume by the depth:

So, under ideal conditions, one cubic yard can cover approximately 108 square feet at a 3-inch depth. Actual coverage can vary because topsoil may settle and the ground may not be perfectly level.

How many tons of topsoil do I need?

Topsoil can also be purchased by weight, although suppliers often sell bulk soil by the cubic yard. To estimate tons, the volume needs to be combined with an estimated soil density.

Topsoil density can vary considerably depending on its composition and moisture content. For this reason, the tonnage result should be treated as an estimate unless you have a density or weight specification from your supplier.

Topsoil calculator for a lawn

A topsoil calculator can be useful when adding soil to a lawn before reseeding, repairing low areas, or preparing an area for new grass. Measure the section of lawn that needs soil and determine the depth you want to add.

For large lawn areas, calculating the required cubic yards before contacting a supplier can make it easier to compare delivery quantities and prices.

Topsoil calculator for a garden

For a garden bed, measure the length and width of the bed and enter the depth of soil you plan to add. For irregular garden shapes, divide the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each section separately, and add the results together.

If your garden has existing soil, remember that the amount of new topsoil needed depends on the final soil depth you want after the new material is added.

Example topsoil calculation

Suppose you have a garden area that is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, and you want to add 4 inches of topsoil.

• Length: 20 feet
• Width: 10 feet
• Area: 200 square feet
• Topsoil depth: 4 inches
• Depth in feet: 0.333 feet
• Volume: about 66.7 cubic feet
• Volume: about 2.47 cubic yards

You could therefore start with an estimate of approximately 2.5 cubic yards of topsoil. Depending on the supplier's delivery quantities, ordering a slightly different amount may be practical.

Buying topsoil by the yard or by the bag

Topsoil is commonly available in bulk by the cubic yard and in smaller bags at garden centers and home improvement stores.

For larger landscaping projects, bulk delivery can be more practical than purchasing many individual bags. For smaller projects, bags may be easier to transport and handle.

When comparing prices, check the actual volume of each bag and include delivery charges when comparing bulk and bagged topsoil.

Why your actual topsoil requirement may be different

A calculator provides an estimate. Your actual topsoil requirement can differ because of:

• Uneven ground
• Sloped areas
• Soil settling
• Different soil density
• Moisture content
• Uneven spreading
• Measurement errors
• Existing soil conditions
• Extra material needed to level low areas

For a large project, compare the calculated amount with your supplier's recommended quantity before placing the order.

Frequently asked questions