How to use this calculator
- Choose rectangle for beds and lawns, circle for round beds, or enter a total area you already know.
- Enter the dimensions in feet and the depth in inches.
- Pick the size of the bags you will buy if you are not ordering in bulk.
- Leave the settling allowance at 5% unless you are filling a deep area, then raise it.
- Add a price per cubic yard to estimate the cost of a bulk delivery.
How the numbers are calculated
The calculator multiplies the area by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, adds your settling allowance, and divides by 27 to get cubic yards. For bags it divides the cubic feet by the volume of one bag and rounds up.
Weight is estimated at about 1.2 tons per cubic yard. Real topsoil varies with moisture and the amount of sand or organic matter, so treat the tonnage as a guide and confirm with your supplier, especially if they sell by weight.
Worked example
A bed 20 ft long and 10 ft wide has an area of 200 sq ft. At 4 in deep that is 200 × 0.333 = 66.7 cubic feet. With 5% extra you need 70 cubic feet, which is 2.59 cubic yards, about 3.1 tons, or 70 bags of 1 cubic foot.
Tips before you buy
- For a new lawn, loosen the subsoil first so the new topsoil blends in and roots can move down.
- Order a little extra. Topsoil settles after watering, and a shortfall is hard to blend in later.
- Ask the supplier what is in the mix. Screened topsoil with organic matter is easier to work than heavy clay fill.
- To top-dress an existing lawn you only need a thin layer of about a quarter to a half inch, which takes far less soil.
- Have the delivery dropped as close to the job as possible, ideally on a tarp, to save wheelbarrow trips.
Frequently asked questions
How much area does one cubic yard of topsoil cover?
About 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 81 square feet at 4 inches, and 54 square feet at 6 inches.
How deep should topsoil be?
Four to six inches is common for a new lawn and for most garden beds. Raised beds and vegetable gardens often use more.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of topsoil?
Roughly one to one and a half tons, depending on moisture and mix. The calculator uses about 1.2 tons.
Is it cheaper to buy topsoil in bulk or in bags?
Bulk is usually cheaper once you need around a cubic yard or more, but check delivery fees. Bags make sense for small jobs.
Quick answers
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These results are estimates for planning purposes. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.