Topsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need in cubic yards, cubic feet and weight. Enter your area and target depth for an instant soil estimate with the formula shown.
Updated 2026-06-14 · Free · No sign-up · Runs privately in your browser
Show the formula & steps
How the Topsoil Calculator Works
Whether you are building a raised bed, leveling a lawn, or filling a planting area, the question is the same: how much soil do you need to buy? This calculator converts your area and target depth into volume in both cubic yards and cubic feet, plus an estimated weight. It supports feet, yards, meters, inches and centimeters so you can enter measurements in whatever unit is on your tape.
The Formula
Topsoil volume is a simple rectangular volume, with everything first converted to feet:
Volume (ft³) = length × width × depth Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27 Weight = Volume (ft³) × density (≈ 100 lb/ft³)
Bulk topsoil is sold by the cubic yard, so the cubic-yard figure is usually the one you order against.
Worked Example
A garden bed 30 ft long and 20 ft wide, filled 4 inches deep:
- Depth in feet = 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Volume = 30 × 20 × 0.333 = 200 ft³
- Cubic yards = 200 ÷ 27 = ≈ 7.4 yd³
- Weight = 200 × 100 = 20,000 lb = ≈ 10 US tons
Topsoil Needed by Depth (per 100 sq ft)
| Depth | Cubic feet | Cubic yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 8.3 ft³ | 0.31 yd³ |
| 2 in | 16.7 ft³ | 0.62 yd³ |
| 4 in | 33.3 ft³ | 1.23 yd³ |
| 6 in | 50.0 ft³ | 1.85 yd³ |
Tips for Ordering Topsoil
- Order 5–10% extra to allow for settling and uneven ground.
- Round up to the next cubic yard on bulk deliveries to avoid a second delivery fee.
- Ask for screened topsoil if you want a finer, rock-free finish for lawns and seedbeds.
- Check moisture — very wet soil weighs more and is harder to spread.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need?+
Multiply the length and width of your area by the depth you want, with every measurement converted to feet, to get the volume in cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For example, a 30 by 20 ft bed covered 4 inches deep needs 30 × 20 × 0.333 = 200 cubic feet, or about 7.4 cubic yards.
How do I convert topsoil cubic feet to cubic yards?+
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard, so divide your cubic-foot volume by 27. Topsoil is usually sold by the cubic yard in bulk, while bagged topsoil is sold in cubic feet, so converting lets you compare bulk delivery against the number of bags you would otherwise buy.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?+
Screened topsoil weighs roughly 1 to 1.3 US tons per cubic yard, depending on moisture and organic content. Wet or clay-heavy soil weighs more, while dry, sandy or compost-rich soil weighs less. This calculator uses a default density of about 100 lb per cubic foot, which you can adjust.
What depth of topsoil should I use?+
For overseeding or top-dressing an existing lawn, 1/4 to 1/2 inch is enough. For a new lawn, aim for 4 to 6 inches of topsoil. Raised beds and vegetable gardens usually want 8 to 12 inches so roots have room to grow. Set the depth field to match your project.
Should I order extra topsoil?+
Yes. Soil settles and compacts after delivery, and ground is rarely perfectly level, so order about 5 to 10% more than the calculated volume. It is also cheaper to round up to the next full cubic yard on a bulk delivery than to pay a second delivery fee for a small shortfall.