Topsoil Calculator
Calculate topsoil needed in cubic yards, tons, or bags for gardens and landscaping. Compare bulk delivery vs bagged options with soil amendment costs.
Area to Cover
Bulk Topsoil
2.5 cubic yards
Topsoil Coverage Reference
- 324 sq ft @ 1" deep
- 162 sq ft @ 2" deep
- 108 sq ft @ 3" deep
- 81 sq ft @ 4" deep
- 1-2": Lawn topdressing
- 4-6": Flower/garden beds
- 6-8": Raised beds
- 8-12": Vegetable gardens
- Order 10-15% extra for settling and uneven areas
- Bulk is usually cheaper for jobs over 2-3 cubic yards
- Mix compost (25-30%) with topsoil for garden beds
- Test soil pH before adding amendments
- Spread and level before rain for best settling
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
The Topsoil Calculator determines exactly how many cubic yards, tons, or bags of topsoil you need for garden beds, lawn installation, raised beds, and landscaping projects in 2026. Whether you're establishing a new lawn, building raised vegetable gardens, or amending poor native soil, this calculator eliminates guesswork and helps you order the right quantity without costly over-buying or frustrating mid-project shortages.
Topsoil is the uppermost 2-8 inches of natural soil where most plant roots grow and biological activity occurs. Quality topsoil contains organic matter, beneficial microorganisms, and proper texture for root development. Unlike subsoil (clay or hardpan), topsoil supports healthy plant growth. The distinction matters because "fill dirt" and subsoil won't grow anything—you need actual topsoil with organic content for landscaping success.
In 2026, bulk topsoil costs $25-55 per cubic yard depending on quality and location, plus $50-150 for delivery. Bagged topsoil runs $4-8 per 40-pound bag at home centers—significantly more expensive per volume but convenient for small projects. A typical raised bed (4×8 feet, 12 inches deep) needs about 1 cubic yard. A 1,000 square foot lawn at 4-inch depth requires approximately 12 cubic yards. Enter your project dimensions and desired depth to calculate exact quantities, compare bulk versus bagged options, and estimate your total soil budget.
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How to Use the Topsoil Calculator
- 1Measure your project area dimensions (length × width in feet) or calculate total square footage for irregular shapes.
- 2For irregular areas, divide into rectangles, triangles, and circles, calculate each separately, and add results.
- 3Select your desired soil depth based on application: 4-6 inches for lawns, 6-12 inches for garden beds, 12-18 inches for raised beds.
- 4Choose your soil type: screened topsoil, garden mix, or premium blend for specific applications.
- 5Toggle Advanced mode to compare bulk delivery versus bagged purchase costs with your local pricing.
- 6Review weight estimates if transporting yourself—topsoil is much heavier than it appears.
- 7Add 10-20% to calculated quantities for settling, uneven areas, and compaction.
- 8Consider adding compost amendment recommendations for optimal plant growth.
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324The formula converts square feet and depth in inches to cubic yards. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Dividing by 324 (27 × 12) converts square feet times inches directly to cubic yards. To calculate tons, multiply cubic yards by 1.0-1.4 depending on soil moisture and type (dry topsoil averages 1.1 tons per cubic yard).
2026 Topsoil Pricing Guide
Topsoil prices vary by quality, source, and whether you choose bulk or bagged options:
Bulk Topsoil Prices (Per Cubic Yard):
| Soil Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unscreened fill topsoil | $15-25 | May contain debris, rocks |
| Screened topsoil | $25-40 | Filtered, consistent texture |
| Premium screened | $35-50 | High organic content |
| Garden mix (soil + compost) | $40-60 | Ready for planting |
| Raised bed mix | $50-70 | Optimized drainage blend |
| Organic certified | $55-80 | OMRI-listed for organic gardens |
Bagged Topsoil Prices (2026):
| Bag Type | Price Range | Bags per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 40 lb bag (~0.75 cu ft) | $3.50-6.00 | 36 bags |
| 1 cubic foot bag | $5.00-8.00 | 27 bags |
| 2 cubic foot bag | $8.00-14.00 | 13.5 bags |
Delivery Charges:
| Quantity | Typical Delivery Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 cubic yards | $50-100 | Minimum order may apply |
| 4-6 cubic yards | $75-125 | Standard dump truck |
| 7-10 cubic yards | $100-150 | Large dump truck |
| 10+ cubic yards | Often free | Volume discount |
Cost Comparison Example (5 Cubic Yards):
| Option | Calculation | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk delivery | $40/yd × 5 + $75 delivery | $275 |
| Bagged (40 lb) | 180 bags × $5 | $900 |
| Savings with bulk | 70% cheaper | $625 saved |
Topsoil Coverage Tables
Use these tables to quickly estimate topsoil needs for common project sizes:
Coverage per Cubic Yard by Depth:
| Depth | Square Feet Covered | Metric (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | 30.1 m² |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | 15.1 m² |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | 10.0 m² |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | 7.5 m² |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | 5.0 m² |
| 8 inches | 40.5 sq ft | 3.8 m² |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | 2.5 m² |
New Lawn Installation (4" Depth):
| Lawn Size | Square Feet | Cubic Yards | Tons (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 500 sq ft | 6.2 cy | 6.8 tons |
| Average | 1,000 sq ft | 12.3 cy | 13.5 tons |
| Medium | 2,000 sq ft | 24.7 cy | 27 tons |
| Large | 5,000 sq ft | 61.7 cy | 68 tons |
| 1/4 Acre | 10,890 sq ft | 134 cy | 147 tons |
Garden Bed Installation (6" Depth):
| Bed Size | Square Feet | Cubic Yards | 40 lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×4 feet | 16 sq ft | 0.30 | 11 bags |
| 4×8 feet | 32 sq ft | 0.59 | 21 bags |
| 4×12 feet | 48 sq ft | 0.89 | 32 bags |
| 6×10 feet | 60 sq ft | 1.11 | 40 bags |
| 8×12 feet | 96 sq ft | 1.78 | 64 bags |
| 10×20 feet | 200 sq ft | 3.70 | 133 bags |
Raised Bed Installation (12" Depth):
| Bed Size | Cubic Yards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3×6 feet | 0.67 cy | Small herb bed |
| 4×4 feet | 0.59 cy | Square foot garden |
| 4×8 feet | 1.19 cy | Standard raised bed |
| 4×12 feet | 1.78 cy | Extended bed |
| 8×8 feet | 2.37 cy | Large growing bed |
Topsoil Types and Applications
Different topsoil types serve different purposes. Choose based on your specific project needs:
Screened Topsoil:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Native soil sifted through screens to remove rocks and debris |
| Best for | Filling, grading, lawn preparation |
| Organic content | Variable (2-8%) depending on source |
| Needs amendments | Usually yes, for planting |
| Cost | $25-40 per cubic yard |
Garden Mix / Planting Mix:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Topsoil blended with compost (usually 60/40 or 70/30) |
| Best for | Flower beds, vegetable gardens, shrub planting |
| Organic content | High (15-30%) |
| Needs amendments | Usually ready to plant |
| Cost | $40-60 per cubic yard |
Raised Bed Mix:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Specially formulated for container/raised bed drainage |
| Typical recipe | 50% topsoil, 30% compost, 20% perlite/sand |
| Best for | Raised beds, container gardens |
| Drainage | Excellent |
| Cost | $50-70 per cubic yard |
Three-Way Mix:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Equal parts topsoil, compost, and sand |
| Best for | Heavy clay soil amendment, drainage improvement |
| Drainage | Excellent |
| Cost | $45-65 per cubic yard |
Organic Certified Topsoil:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | OMRI-listed soil for certified organic growing |
| Best for | Organic vegetable gardens, farms |
| Certification | Must meet USDA organic standards |
| Cost | $55-80 per cubic yard |
Depth Guidelines by Application
Proper soil depth varies significantly by application. Too little limits plant growth; too much wastes money:
Lawn Installation Depths:
| Application | Minimum Depth | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New lawn from seed | 4 inches | 6 inches | Over compacted subsoil |
| New lawn from sod | 4 inches | 4-6 inches | Grade for proper drainage |
| Lawn renovation | 1-2 inches | 2 inches | Topdressing only |
| Thin/bare spots | 2 inches | 2-3 inches | Blend with existing soil |
Garden Bed Depths:
| Plant Type | Minimum Depth | Recommended | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual flowers | 4 inches | 6 inches | 8 inches |
| Perennial flowers | 6 inches | 8-12 inches | 12 inches |
| Vegetable gardens | 8 inches | 12 inches | 18 inches |
| Herb gardens | 6 inches | 8-10 inches | 12 inches |
| Small shrubs | 12 inches | 18 inches | 24 inches |
| Large shrubs | 18 inches | 24 inches | 36 inches |
| Trees | 12 inches | Native soil preferred | Native |
Raised Bed Depths:
| Bed Type | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salad greens/lettuce | 6 inches | Shallow roots |
| Herbs | 8-10 inches | Most herbs are shallow |
| Most vegetables | 12 inches | Standard depth |
| Root vegetables | 12-18 inches | Carrots, potatoes |
| Tomatoes, peppers | 12-18 inches | Deep feeders |
| Permanent perennials | 18-24 inches | Long-term beds |
Why Depth Matters:
| Depth | Root Development | Water Retention | Nutrient Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" | Very limited | Poor | Minimal |
| 4" | Adequate for grass | Moderate | Basic |
| 6" | Good for annuals | Good | Good |
| 12" | Excellent | Very good | Excellent |
| 18"+ | Maximum | Excellent | Maximum |
Topsoil Weight and Transport
Topsoil is significantly heavier than most people expect. Plan transportation carefully:
Weight per Cubic Yard:
| Soil Condition | Weight Range | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| Dry screened topsoil | 1,800-2,200 lbs | 0.9-1.1 |
| Damp topsoil | 2,200-2,600 lbs | 1.1-1.3 |
| Wet topsoil | 2,600-3,400 lbs | 1.3-1.7 |
| Saturated (after rain) | 3,000-4,000 lbs | 1.5-2.0 |
| Garden mix (lighter) | 1,600-2,000 lbs | 0.8-1.0 |
| Compost (lightest) | 1,000-1,400 lbs | 0.5-0.7 |
Vehicle Capacity Guidelines:
| Vehicle Type | Payload Capacity | Cubic Yards Safely |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car | Not recommended | 0 |
| SUV/Crossover | 200-400 lbs | 0 (don't try) |
| Half-ton pickup | 1,000-1,500 lbs | 0.5-0.75 cy |
| 3/4-ton pickup | 1,500-2,500 lbs | 0.75-1 cy |
| 1-ton pickup | 2,500-4,000 lbs | 1-1.5 cy |
| Single axle trailer | 2,000-3,000 lbs | 1-1.5 cy |
| Tandem axle trailer | 4,000-7,000 lbs | 2-3 cy |
Dump Truck Capacities:
| Truck Size | Cubic Yards | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Small dump | 3-5 cy | 5-8 tons |
| Standard dump | 6-10 cy | 10-15 tons |
| Large dump | 10-14 cy | 15-22 tons |
| Tri-axle | 14-18 cy | 22-28 tons |
Important Warning: Overloading your vehicle is dangerous and illegal. Topsoil is much heavier than mulch or compost. A "small" half-yard load weighs 1,000+ pounds. When in doubt, make multiple trips or schedule delivery.
Bulk vs Bagged Comparison
The choice between bulk delivery and bagged topsoil depends on project size, budget, and logistics:
Cost Comparison (2026 Prices):
| Quantity | Bulk Cost | Bagged Cost | Savings with Bulk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cy | N/A (min order) | $90 (18 bags) | Bagged only option |
| 1 cy | $40 + $75 = $115 | $180 (36 bags) | 36% with bulk |
| 2 cy | $80 + $75 = $155 | $360 (72 bags) | 57% with bulk |
| 3 cy | $120 + $75 = $195 | $540 (108 bags) | 64% with bulk |
| 5 cy | $200 + $75 = $275 | $900 (180 bags) | 69% with bulk |
| 10 cy | $400 + free = $400 | $1,800 (360 bags) | 78% with bulk |
When to Choose Bulk:
- Projects requiring 2+ cubic yards
- Access for dump truck or trailer
- Can spread within 1-2 days (before rain)
- Have wheelbarrow and labor available
- Budget is a priority
When to Choose Bagged:
- Small projects under 1 cubic yard
- No truck access to project area
- Need to store for later use
- Working alone without help
- Spreading over multiple weekends
Hidden Costs of Bagged:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Bag disposal | Time + landfill fees |
| Multiple trips | Fuel + vehicle wear |
| Physical labor | Back strain, fatigue |
| Time investment | Hours opening, emptying bags |
| Inconsistent quality | Different batches vary |
Hidden Costs of Bulk:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Delivery timing | Must be home for delivery |
| Placement limitations | Dump truck accessibility |
| Spreading labor | Must move from pile |
| Weather dependency | Rain saturates pile |
| Minimum orders | May require more than needed |
Soil Quality Assessment
Not all topsoil is equal. Here's how to evaluate quality before purchasing:
Visual Inspection:
| Characteristic | Good Quality | Poor Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Dark brown/black | Light tan, gray, or red |
| Texture | Crumbly, loose | Clumpy, compacted |
| Smell | Earthy, fresh | Sour, ammonia, or none |
| Debris | None visible | Rocks, roots, trash |
| Moisture | Slightly damp | Bone dry or saturated |
Feel Test (Squeeze Test):
- Grab a handful of moist soil
- Squeeze firmly, then open hand
- Good soil: Holds shape briefly, then crumbles
- Too sandy: Falls apart immediately
- Too clay: Stays in ball, doesn't crumble
Organic Matter Indicators:
| Organic Content | Characteristics | Quality Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 2% | Light color, poor structure | Poor |
| 2-5% | Moderate color, some structure | Acceptable |
| 5-8% | Dark color, good structure | Good |
| 8-12% | Very dark, excellent structure | Excellent |
| Over 12% | May be mostly compost | Check blend |
Red Flags When Buying:
- Seller can't identify source
- Price significantly below market
- Delivered wet (hiding quality issues)
- Strong chemical or sewage smell
- Visible construction debris
- Labeled "fill dirt" or "clean fill"
- Source is construction site excavation
Questions to Ask Supplier:
- Where does this soil come from?
- Is it screened? What size screen?
- What's the organic matter content?
- Is it tested for contaminants?
- Can I see/inspect before delivery?
- What's your return/complaint policy?
Soil Amendment Recommendations
Plain topsoil often benefits from amendments. Here's what to add and when:
Common Amendments:
| Amendment | Purpose | Application Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Compost | Adds organic matter, nutrients | 2-4 inches mixed in |
| Peat moss | Improves moisture retention | 1-2 inches mixed in |
| Perlite | Improves drainage | 10-20% by volume |
| Vermiculite | Retains moisture | 10-20% by volume |
| Sand (coarse) | Improves drainage | 20-30% by volume |
| Gypsum | Breaks up clay | 40 lbs per 100 sq ft |
| Lime | Raises pH | Per soil test only |
| Sulfur | Lowers pH | Per soil test only |
Amendment Recipes by Use:
| Application | Recipe |
|---|---|
| General gardens | 70% topsoil + 30% compost |
| Raised beds | 50% topsoil + 30% compost + 20% perlite |
| Heavy clay amendment | 50% topsoil + 25% compost + 25% coarse sand |
| Sandy soil improvement | 60% topsoil + 40% compost |
| Vegetable gardens | 60% topsoil + 30% compost + 10% perlite |
| Acid-loving plants | 70% topsoil + 20% peat + 10% compost |
pH Adjustment Guidelines:
| Current pH | Target pH | Amendment Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0-5.5 | 6.5 | Lime (apply per package) |
| 5.5-6.0 | 6.5 | Light lime application |
| 6.0-7.0 | 6.5 | None (ideal range) |
| 7.0-7.5 | 6.5 | Light sulfur application |
| 7.5-8.0 | 6.5 | Sulfur (apply per package) |
When NOT to Amend:
- Installing sod (use plain screened topsoil)
- Filling low spots (amendments settle differently)
- Around established trees (can damage roots)
- Without soil test (may make problems worse)
Installation Best Practices
Proper topsoil installation ensures success. Follow these professional techniques:
Site Preparation:
- Remove existing vegetation, rocks, debris
- Grade subsoil for proper drainage (slope away from structures)
- Break up compacted subsoil to 2-4 inches depth
- Address drainage problems before adding topsoil
- Install edging or borders if needed
Topsoil Application:
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dump in small piles | Throughout the area |
| 2 | Spread with rake | Rough leveling first |
| 3 | Check depth | Use depth stakes or ruler |
| 4 | Fine grade | Level with landscape rake |
| 5 | Lightly compact | Walk over or use roller |
| 6 | Water gently | Settles soil, reveals low spots |
| 7 | Add more soil | Fill low spots after settling |
Grading for Drainage:
| Application | Recommended Slope | Fall per 10 feet |
|---|---|---|
| Away from foundation | 2-5% grade | 2-6 inches |
| General lawn | 1-2% grade | 1-2 inches |
| Garden beds | Level or slight slope | 0-2 inches |
| Swales/drainage | 2-4% grade | 2-4 inches |
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
| Mistake | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Too thin | Plants struggle | Minimum 4" for lawns |
| Too thick | Wasted money | Follow depth guidelines |
| No subsoil prep | Poor drainage | Till subsoil first |
| Compacting too much | Root restriction | Light compaction only |
| Not watering | Doesn't settle | Water after spreading |
| Spreading wet soil | Compacts badly | Wait for drier conditions |
Calculating Irregular Areas
Most yards aren't perfect rectangles. Here's how to calculate odd shapes:
Rectangle/Square:
Area = Length × Width
Example: 20' × 15' = 300 sq ft
Triangle:
Area = (Base × Height) ÷ 2
Example: 12' base × 8' height ÷ 2 = 48 sq ft
Circle:
Area = π × Radius²
Area = 3.14 × (Diameter ÷ 2)²
Example: 10' diameter = 3.14 × 5² = 78.5 sq ft
Oval/Ellipse:
Area = π × (Length ÷ 2) × (Width ÷ 2)
Example: 12' × 8' oval = 3.14 × 6 × 4 = 75.4 sq ft
L-Shaped Areas:
Divide into two rectangles:
Section A: 20' × 10' = 200 sq ft
Section B: 15' × 8' = 120 sq ft
Total: 320 sq ft
Irregular Curved Beds:
- Divide the area into approximate rectangles
- Calculate each section
- Add together
- Add 10-15% for irregular edges
Example Calculation:
Curved garden bed approximately:
- Main section: 15' × 6' = 90 sq ft
- End bulge: 4' diameter circle = 12.6 sq ft
- Total: 102.6 sq ft
- At 6" depth: 102.6 × 6 ÷ 324 = 1.9 cubic yards
- Add 15%: 2.2 cubic yards to order
Pro Tips
- 💡Order 15-20% extra topsoil for settling, irregular areas, and low spots that appear after initial installation.
- 💡Always till or scarify existing soil before adding topsoil to prevent drainage problems at the interface layer.
- 💡Test your soil pH before and after adding topsoil—the new soil may have different chemistry than your native soil.
- 💡Schedule bulk deliveries during dry weather when possible—wet topsoil is much heavier and harder to spread.
- 💡Spread topsoil within 1-2 days of delivery to prevent it from compacting, growing weeds, or getting saturated by rain.
- 💡Use depth stakes or rulers throughout the area while spreading to ensure consistent depth across the project.
- 💡Mix compost into topsoil at 20-30% ratio for garden beds to boost organic matter and nutrient content.
- 💡Grade topsoil to slope 2-5% away from foundations, preventing water pooling against structures.
- 💡Water newly spread topsoil gently to help settling, then add more soil to fill any low spots that appear.
- 💡Avoid walking on or compacting wet topsoil—work from boards or plywood to distribute weight if necessary.
- 💡Ask suppliers about the topsoil source and inspect a sample before ordering large quantities if possible.
- 💡Store bagged topsoil in a dry location—wet bags become extremely heavy and may develop mold or compaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
For new lawn installation over poor subsoil, apply 4-6 inches of topsoil. A 1,000 square foot lawn needs approximately 12-18 cubic yards (1,000 × 4-6 ÷ 324). For lawn renovation or overseeding existing grass, 1-2 inches of topdressing (3-6 cubic yards per 1,000 sq ft) is sufficient.
