Topsoil Calculator
Estimate topsoil for lawns, garden beds, raised beds, grading, and low spots by cubic yards, bags, depth, waste allowance, and material cost.
Topsoil calculator
Estimate rectangular lawn, garden bed, raised bed, and low-spot projects by depth, cubic yards, bags, waste, and material cost.
Project area and depth
Default 0.75 cu ft, a common 40 lb bag equivalent.
Results
| Square feet | 0 |
| Cubic feet | 0 |
| Cubic yards | 0 |
| Cubic yards with waste | 0 |
| Topsoil bags | 0 |
| Bulk topsoil estimate | $0 |
| Bagged topsoil estimate | $0 |
Cost estimator
Edit the bulk topsoil price per cubic yard, bag size, and bag cost in the calculator above. Bulk delivery often makes sense for larger projects, while bagged topsoil can be easier for small touch-ups and narrow spaces.
Waste allowance
Default 10%. For most topsoil projects, adding 10% extra is a safe estimate. If the area is uneven, compacted, sloped, or full of low spots, 15% to 20% may be more realistic.
Common topsoil depth assumptions
| Project | Common topsoil depth |
|---|---|
| Lawn topdressing | 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch |
| Filling low spots | 1 inch to 3 inches |
| New garden bed | 4 inches to 8 inches |
| Raised bed fill | 8 inches to 24+ inches |
| New lawn prep | 3 inches to 6 inches |
Plain-English guide
Measure the length and width of the area in feet, then choose the depth of topsoil you want to add. Thin topdressing uses fractions of an inch, while new beds and raised beds usually need several inches or more. The calculator converts that area and depth into cubic feet, cubic yards, a waste-adjusted order amount, and an estimated bag count.
Topsoil calculator FAQ
How much topsoil do I need for a garden bed?
Multiply the garden bed square footage by the desired depth. A new garden bed often uses 4 to 8 inches of topsoil or soil blend, depending on existing soil and plant needs.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
New lawn prep commonly uses 3 to 6 inches of topsoil, but the right depth depends on existing soil, drainage, grading, and whether compost or amendments are being mixed in.
How much does one cubic yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Should I buy topsoil in bags or bulk?
Bags are convenient for small projects and easy transport. Bulk topsoil is usually better for larger projects, but delivery fees, minimum orders, and access for dumping matter.
How much extra topsoil should I order?
Use 10% extra for most projects. Consider 15% to 20% if the ground is uneven, compacted, sloped, or has deeper low spots than your average depth.
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