Topsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need for gardening, landscaping or general construction projects. Enter area measurements and select topsoil type to calculate volume and estimate cost.
Whether you're starting a new garden bed, leveling a yard or filling low spots, this calculator helps estimate how much topsoil you need. Find topsoil volume in bulk or bags and enter pricing to get an estimated cost.
Choose from screened topsoil, compost or garden mix, unscreened topsoil or fill dirt. Enter an overage amount to account for topsoil settling and spillage so the volume you purchase does not leave you short.
Calculating Irregular Shapes
For odd-shaped areas, split the space into simple shapes. Calculate the area for each part and add them together. For example if you have an "H" or an "L" shape, break it into smaller rectangles, find each area and total them. If you already know the total area, enter it directly.
How to Calculate Topsoil Amounts
If you're repairing a lawn, making a garden bed, potting plants, growing vegetables, improving poor soil or laying sod, you need to find the volume of the area you want to fill. That number tells you how much topsoil to buy. The topsoil calculator does this math for you.
If you'd like to know how to do the calculations, use these steps to find the volume of topsoil you need. Measure the length and width of the area in feet. Then figure the depth of the soil in inches.
- Calculate area: Area in square feet = Length × Width
- Convert depth in inches to feet: Inches ÷ 12
- Calculate the volume: Cubic feet = Length × Width × Depth (in feet)
- Convert volume to cubic yards: Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27
Example: Calculate Topsoil for Patching a Lawn
Your lawn has a bare patch that is 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. You want to add 2 inches of topsoil.
- Area: 6 ft × 4 ft = 24 ft²
- Convert inches depth into feet: 2" ÷ 12 = 0.167 ft
- Find the volume: 24 ft² × 0.167 ft = 4.008 ft³
- Change cubic feet to cubic yards: 4.008 ft³ ÷ 27 ≈ 0.15 yd³
It will take about 0.15 cubic yards of topsoil to fill in your lawn patch and plant grass seed.
How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
How much topsoil you need depends on your project and the type of topsoil. Use our quick guides below to select the best product for your project.
- Types of Topsoil
- Application Guide: Topsoil Depth and Coverage
- Topsoil Buying Guide: Bagged vs. Bulk
Topsoils in this Calculator
| Topsoil Type | Common Uses | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Screened topsoil | Lawns, gardens, flower beds, general landscaping | Most versatile, clean option for visible areas |
| Compost/garden mix | Vegetable gardens, raised beds, amending poor soil | Nutrient-rich for growing food and flowers |
| Unscreened topsoil/fill dirt | Grading, filling holes, raising elevation, under hardscapes | Structural fill or utility; quality does not matter |
| Application | Recommended Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard | Best Type of Topsoil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower beds | 6–8 inches | 40–54 sq ft | Compost/garden mix mixed with screened topsoil | Ensure proper mix for drainage |
| Vegetable garden | 8–12 inches | 27–40 sq ft | Compost/garden mix | Adds nutrients; deep soil for root vegetables |
| Raised beds | 8–18 inches | 18–40 sq ft | Compost/garden mix | Depth depends on bed walls |
| Tree/shrub planting | Hole depth + 6" | Varies | Screened topsoil | Backfill and mix with native soil |
| Leveling low spots | As needed | 324 sq ft at 1" depth | Unscreened/fill dirt for deep fills, top off with screened topsoil | Let soil settle/compact before planting |
| New lawn from seed | 4–6 inches | 54–81 sq ft | Screened topsoil | Minimum 4" for good root development |
| Sod installation | 2–4 inches | 81–162 sq ft | Screened topsoil | Level and amend existing soil |
| Top dressing lawn | 0.5–1 inch | 324–648 sq ft | Screened topsoil | Light layer to improve existing lawn |
| Amount Needed | Best Purchase Method | Typical Package |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 cubic yards | Bagged | 10–15 bags (40 lb) |
| 0.25–1 cubic yard | Bagged or Bulk | 25–40 bags or small delivery |
| 1–5 cubic yards | Bulk delivery | Single dump truck |
| 5 cubic yards | Bulk delivery | Multiple loads or large truck |
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should my topsoil be?
Common depths: lawn topdressing 0.5–1", new seed 4–6", sod 2–4", flower beds 6–8", veggie beds 8–12". View our Application Guide: Topsoil Depth and Coverage guide see more information.
What type of topsoil should I use?
Use screened topsoil for lawns and beds, compost/garden mix for veggies and flowers and unscreened/fill dirt for grading and deep fills. View our Types of Topsoil quick guide for more information.
How many bags of topsoil are in one cubic yard?
One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. That’s about 18 bags at 1.5 cu ft each, or ~14 bags at 2.0 cu ft each. The calculator offers a variety of other bag sizes.
Does the type of topsoil change how much I need?
The volume is the same, but the weight and cost can change by material, quality and moisture. Check with your supplier for density and pricing.
What’s the difference between screened topsoil, compost mix and fill dirt?
- Screened topsoil: Sifted, fewer rocks and clumps; best for visible areas and planting.
- Compost/garden mix: Topsoil blended with compost; richer nutrients for veggies/flowers.
- Fill dirt (unscreened): Rougher, used to build up low spots; not ideal for planting by itself.
Which type of topsoil is best for vegetables or flowers?
Choose a compost/garden mix or mix screened topsoil with compost. It holds moisture and adds nutrients for strong root growth.
Should I buy bagged or bulk topsoil?
Buy bags for small jobs (under ~0.25 cu yd). Choose bulk for larger projects (1 cu yd or more) to save money and time. View our Topsoil Buying Guide: Bagged vs. Bulk for more information.
Can I compare cost for bagged vs. bulk topsoil?
- Yes, first use the calculator to estimate bulk cost. In addition to the bulk cost, the calculator shows how many bags of topsoil you need for different bag sizes.
- Then enter price by the preferred bag size to see bagged topsoil cost.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026