Topsoil Calculator
Easily calculate how much topsoil you need for your lawn, garden, or landscaping project. Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to get instant results in cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons.
Cubic Yards = Volume ÷ 27
1 cubic yard = 27 cu ft · covers ~100 sq ft at 3" depth · 40 lb bag ≈ 0.5 cu ft · Bulk topsoil $15–$50/cu yd
Estimates based on 2026 US average pricing. Always confirm pricing with your local supplier.
How Does the Topsoil Calculator Work?
This topsoil calculator estimates how many cubic yards and bags of topsoil you need based on your area dimensions and desired depth. It uses a standard topsoil density to convert volume to bags for small orders.
Steps:
- Enter your area length and width in feet.
- Enter the desired depth in inches — 4 inches is standard for new lawns, 6–8 inches for garden beds.
- Get instant results — cubic yards, cubic feet, number of 40 lb bags, and estimated cost.
For new lawn installation, 4 inches of topsoil is the minimum recommended depth. For vegetable gardens and raised beds, aim for 8–12 inches of quality topsoil for best results.
Topsoil Coverage at Common Depths
Use this quick reference chart to estimate your material needs before using the calculator above.
Topsoil Coverage at Common Depths
| Depth | 1 Cu Yd Covers | 100 Sq Ft Needs | 500 Sq Ft Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | ~160 sq ft | 0.6 cu yd | 3.1 cu yd |
| 3 inches | ~107 sq ft | 0.9 cu yd | 4.6 cu yd |
| 4 inches | ~80 sq ft | 1.2 cu yd | 6.2 cu yd |
| 6 inches | ~54 sq ft | 1.9 cu yd | 9.3 cu yd |
| 8 inches | ~40 sq ft | 2.5 cu yd | 12.3 cu yd |
Topsoil Cost (2026)
Prices vary by type, quality, and region. Here are 2026 US average prices to help you budget your project.
Topsoil Cost (2026)
| Type | Bulk (per cu yd) | Bulk (per ton) | Bagged (40 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Topsoil | $15 – $30 | $10 – $20 | $4 – $7 |
| Premium Screened | $25 – $45 | $18 – $32 | $6 – $9 |
| Organic / Garden Mix | $35 – $60 | $25 – $45 | $7 – $12 |
| Delivered (add) | $50 – $150 | per load | N/A |
For any project over 1 cubic yard (27 cu ft), buying topsoil in bulk is significantly cheaper than bags. A cubic yard of topsoil costs $25–$45 bulk vs $180–$240 in 40 lb bags for the same volume.
Example Calculation
You want to lay 4 inches of topsoil over a 30 ft × 20 ft lawn area.
30 ft × 20 ft = 600 sq ft
Volume (cu ft):600 × (4÷12) = 600 × 0.333 = 200 cu ft
Cubic yards:200 ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards
40 lb bags:200 ÷ 0.5 = 400 bags (buy bulk instead!)
Cost (screened $30/cu yd):7.4 × $30 = ~$222 plus delivery
Buying & Ordering Tips
- Order early — call your supplier 1–2 days ahead for bulk delivery, especially during spring and summer when demand is high.
- Confirm truck size — standard dump trucks hold 10–14 cubic yards. Always confirm the exact capacity before ordering.
- Add waste factor — always order 10–15% more than your calculated amount to account for uneven ground, settling, and waste.
- Compare 3 suppliers — prices for bulk materials vary significantly between suppliers. Always get at least 3 quotes for large orders.
- Check delivery access — confirm the delivery truck can access your property before ordering. Some sites may require a smaller truck at higher cost per yard.