ConstructionInstant Tool
Topsoil Calculator
Estimate cubic yards, tonnage, and bags of topsoil for gardens and turf
Topsoil Estimator
Calculate cubic yards, tons, and bags for lawn and garden beds
How Topsoil Calculator Works
Cubic Yards = Length × Width × Depth in Feet / 27 × 1 + Settling Factor; Tons = Cubic Yards × Soil DensityCalculates the volume of soil needed for lawns or raised garden beds in cubic yards, factoring in typical compaction and settling of loose organic material.
Example Calculation
25 by 12 Foot Garden Bed at 4 Inch Depth
A homeowner fills a 25 foot by 12 foot raised garden bed with screened topsoil to a 4-inch depth with a 15 percent settling factor.
- Area equals 25 multiplied by 12 which equals 300 square feet
- Depth in feet equals 4 divided by 12 which equals 0.333 feet
- Volume in cubic feet equals 300 multiplied by 0.333 which equals 100 cubic feet
- Net cubic yards equals 100 divided by 27 which equals 3.70 cubic yards
- Adding 15 percent settling allowance equals 4.26 cubic yards total
- Weight equals 4.26 multiplied by 1.05 tons per yard which equals 4.47 tons
Result:4.26 Cubic Yards or 4.47 Tons
Topsoil Weight and Recommended Application Depth
| Application | Recommended Depth | Tons per Yard | Bags 1 Cu Ft per Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Topdressing | 0.25 to 0.5 inches | 1.05 tons | 27 bags |
| New Lawn Seeding | 4 to 6 inches | 1.05 tons | 27 bags |
| Raised Vegetable Beds | 6 to 12 inches | 1.15 tons | 27 bags |
| Flower Beds and Shrubs | 4 to 8 inches | 1.15 tons | 27 bags |
| Compost Blend | 2 to 3 inches | 0.90 tons | 27 bags |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Therefore, it requires 27 one-cubic-foot bags or approximately 54 half-cubic-foot bags.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry screened topsoil weighs about 2000 to 2200 pounds or roughly 1.0 to 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Wet or compost-rich soil can weigh up to 2600 pounds.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
For seeding a new lawn, a minimum depth of 4 to 6 inches of quality screened topsoil is recommended to support deep root establishment.
Is it cheaper to buy topsoil in bulk or bags?
For quantities over 1 to 2 cubic yards, bulk delivery is substantially cheaper per yard than buying retail bags from home improvement stores.
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