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 Project Estimate
Activity Accounts planning estimate. This is not a contract, certified estimate, soil test, or site assessment.
Topsoil project calculator
Estimate topsoil quantities and cost, review a quote, or build a landscaping bid.
Save this project
Save the current mode, every calculator input, and a readable result snapshot in this browser.
Project area, depth, and material prices
Quantity snapshot
Quick estimate
Additional rough project allowances
Optional planning allowances beyond calculated topsoil material.
Contractor quotes
Attach this Check-mode quote to the current saved project for browser-local comparison.
Save this project before attaching contractor quotes.
Contractor quote and modeled allowances
Quote scope checklist
Checklist selections do not add prices.
Quote check results
Differences may reflect existing soil, drainage, grading, compaction, soil quality, amendments, testing, erosion control, access, local material prices, hauling distance, mobilization, or conditions not represented here.
This planning tool cannot inspect soil, diagnose drainage or contamination, prescribe amendments, judge workmanship, or decide whether a quote is fair.
1. Project and materials
Choose the existing bulk or bagged cost estimate, then add only separate materials.
Calculated topsoil: $0.00 · Other materials: $0.00 · Materials subtotal: $0.00
2. Crew and labor
Only the selected labor method contributes; switching preserves both sets of values.
Loaded hourly cost can include wages, payroll taxes, insurance, benefits, and other employer costs.
Labor subtotal: $0.00 · Crew-hours: 0.00
3. Equipment
Equipment subtotal: $0.00
4. Other direct job costs
Other direct costs subtotal: $0.00
5. Overhead, contingency, and profit
Gross margin is a percentage of selling price, not a markup on cost.
Build-a-quote results
See full cost breakdown
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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