Topsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil to order for a new lawn, garden bed or low spot – in cubic yards, tons and bags – and what it will cost.
Formulas shown on this page · Last reviewed October 2026
Topsoil formula
cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × density (≈ 1.1 tons per yd³)
bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size (0.75 or 1 cu ft)
Suppliers sell topsoil by the cubic yard or by the ton. Weight depends heavily on moisture: dry soil is about 1.0 ton per yard, damp about 1.1 and wet 1.35 or more. If you order by the ton, ask for the scale ticket rather than relying on a calculation.
Coverage of one cubic yard
| Depth | Area covered | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | Top-dressing a lawn |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | Overseeding, leveling |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | New lawn (minimum) |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | New lawn, garden beds |
| 12 in | 27 sq ft | Raised beds |
Practical tips
- Add 10–20% if you are filling a low area or tilling soil in, since fresh topsoil settles after watering.
- Ask whether the product is screened topsoil or a topsoil–compost blend. Blends are lighter and cheaper per yard.
- Delivery often costs $50–$150 on top of the material price. Check minimum order sizes, usually 1–3 yards.
- Spread soil within a couple of days of delivery; piles left in the rain turn heavy and weedy.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for 200 square feet at 4 inches deep?
200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards. At 1.1 tons per yard that is about 2.7 tons. In bags it is 89 bags of 0.75 cu ft or 67 bags of 1 cu ft – bulk is far cheaper at this volume.
How much area does one cubic yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, 81 sq ft at 4 inches and 54 sq ft at 6 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Typical damp topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons (2,200 lb) per cubic yard. Dry soil is closer to 1.0 ton and saturated soil can reach 1.35 tons or more, which matters if your supplier sells by the ton rather than by the yard.
How many bags of topsoil make one cubic yard?
It takes 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft (27 ÷ 0.75) or 27 bags of 1 cu ft. Bagged soil typically costs several times more per yard than bulk, so use bags only for small jobs and containers.