Topsoil calculator
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard in bulk and by the bag at hardware stores. Enter your area dimensions and depth to see exactly how much to order.
Cubic Yards
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Cubic Feet
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Cubic Meters
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Weight (lb)
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Weight (tons)
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Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12
Volume (cu yd) = cu ft ÷ 27
Weight (lb) = cu ft × 100
Example
Lawn 20 ft × 15 ft at 4 inches deep:
Volume = 20 × 15 × 4 / 12 = 100 cu ft = 3.70 cu yd
Weight = 100 × 100 = 10,000 lb = 5 tons
Frequently asked
How much topsoil do I need per cubic yard?
1 cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, 81 sq ft at 4 inches, or 54 sq ft at 6 inches.
How deep should I spread topsoil?
For new lawns: 4–6 inches. For garden beds: 8–12 inches. For overseeding an existing lawn: 1–2 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 2,000–2,700 lbs (1–1.35 tons), depending on moisture and composition. This calculator uses 100 lb/cu ft as a typical loamy average.
How many bags equal a cubic yard?
A standard 40-lb bag contains about 0.5 cu ft. You need about 54 bags to equal 1 cubic yard.
How do I share my calculation?
Click "Share with my numbers" to copy a URL with your dimensions saved.