How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Calculate the exact amount of topsoil for gardens, lawns, raised beds, and landscaping. Get results in cubic yards and tons with cost estimates.
Enter your dimensions above to calculate topsoil needed.
💡 1 cubic yard of topsoil covers approximately 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep
How to Calculate Topsoil Needed
Formula
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
Multiply your area's length by width to get square footage. Multiply by depth in inches, then divide by 324 to convert to cubic yards.
Example
For a 12 ft × 10 ft garden bed with 4 inches of topsoil: 12 × 10 × 4 ÷ 324 = 1.48 cubic yards. At 1.08 tons per cubic yard, that's about 1.6 tons.
Tips & Best Practices
- •For new lawns, apply 4–6 inches of topsoil for healthy root growth.
- •For garden beds and raised beds, 6–12 inches of quality topsoil is ideal.
- •Screen or sifted topsoil is best for lawns; garden blend works for beds.
- •Topsoil settles 10–15% after delivery — order accordingly.
Quick Reference
1 cubic yard of topsoil covers approximately 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?+
A cubic yard of topsoil typically weighs between 1,800–2,400 lbs (0.9–1.2 tons), depending on moisture. Dry topsoil averages about 1.08 tons per cubic yard.
How much does topsoil cost?+
Bulk topsoil costs $15–$50 per cubic yard, depending on quality and location. Screened topsoil runs $20–$40/yd³, while premium garden blends can be $35–$50/yd³.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?+
For a new lawn, aim for 4–6 inches of topsoil. Existing thin lawns can benefit from 1–2 inches of top-dressing, applied in thin layers.
What's the difference between topsoil and garden soil?+
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of natural soil, usually the top 4–12 inches. Garden soil is topsoil blended with compost and other amendments for improved growth in beds and containers.