Topsoil Calculator
Enter your area and depth to see how many cubic yards, tons or bags of topsoil you need.
Typical depths for topsoil
| Job | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Topdressing an existing lawn | ¼–½ in |
| New lawn | 4–6 in |
| Vegetable or flower beds | 6–12 in |
Typical ranges, not specifications. Follow your project's plans or local requirements where they apply.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Spread it 1 inch deep and it covers 324 square feet. Every extra inch of depth cuts the coverage proportionally. A cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons.
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
How the topsoil calculator works
Area = length × width (circle: π × radius²; triangle: base × height ÷ 2)
Cubic feet = area × (depth in inches ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard ÷ 2,000
Worked example: a 20 × 30 ft new lawn, 4 in deep
Area: 20 × 30 = 600 sq ft. Volume: 600 × (4 ÷ 12) = 200 cubic feet. Cubic yards: 200 ÷ 27 = 7.41 cubic yards, which weighs about 8.15 tons at 2,200 lb per cubic yard.
Adding 10% for settling brings it to 8.15 cubic yards, about 8.96 tons. Topsoil is usually sold by the cubic yard, the ton or by the bag.
Tips before you order
- Loose topsoil settles after watering, so add about 10% for new beds.
- Bags are handy for small jobs. For anything over about a cubic yard, bulk is usually cheaper.
Questions people ask
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
About 1.1 tons (2,200 lb) is a typical figure. Most topsoil weighs 1,900–2,500 lb per cubic yard, depending on the material and how wet it is. Your supplier can tell you the weight of theirs.
How many square feet does a yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches and 81 sq ft at 4 inches. The rule: 324 ÷ depth in inches.
How do I convert cubic yards of topsoil to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the weight per cubic yard and divide by 2,000. At 2,200 lb per yard, that's cubic yards × 1.1.
How many 0.75 cu ft bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
About 36 0.75 cu ft bags make one cubic yard (by volume).
How many 1 cu ft bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
About 27 1 cu ft bags make one cubic yard (by volume).
How much topsoil do I need for a 20 × 30 ft new lawn, 4 in deep?
About 7.41 cubic yards (about 8.15 tons), or 8.15 cubic yards with 10% extra for settling.