Topsoil calculator

Find out how much topsoil to order for a new lawn, raised bed or garden border.

Topsoil Calculator

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (inches)

Price per cubic yard ($)

Cubic yards2.47

Cubic feet66.7

Approx. weight (US tons)2.72

Bags (0.75 cu ft)89

Estimated cost$86.42

How it works

Length × width × depth (in feet) gives cubic feet; divide by 27 for cubic yards.
Topsoil weighs about 1.1 US tons per cubic yard (more when wet).
Bagged topsoil usually comes in 0.75 cu ft bags.

Example: A 20 × 10 ft bed at 4 inches deep needs 2.5 cubic yards — about 89 bags of 0.75 cu ft.

4–6 inches gives grass roots enough room; 1/4–1/2 inch is enough for top-dressing an existing lawn.

Above about 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper than bags.