Topsoil Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags
Calculate how much topsoil to order for a new lawn, a raised garden bed or low spots in your yard — in cubic yards, tons or bags.
A 1,000 sq ft lawn needs about 12.3 cubic yards of topsoil at 4 inches deep, roughly 13–14 tons. Formula: area × depth (inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons per cubic yard, so add 10% for settling.
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How to calculate topsoil
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard (bulk) or by the cubic foot (bags). The volume is simply area times depth.
Add 10% for settling — freshly spread soil compresses as it is watered and walked on, so a bed filled exactly to the brim will sink.
How deep should topsoil be?
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Overseeding an existing lawn | ¼–½ in |
| Fixing low spots | 1–2 in |
| New lawn from seed or sod | 4–6 in |
| In-ground garden bed | 6–8 in |
| Raised garden bed | 8–12 in |
Topsoil needed for a lawn (cubic yards before settling)
| Lawn area | 2 in | 4 in | 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 3.1 | 6.2 | 9.3 |
| 1.000 sq ft | 6.2 | 12.3 | 18.5 |
| 2.000 sq ft | 12.3 | 24.7 | 37.0 |
| 5.000 sq ft | 30.9 | 61.7 | 92.6 |
| 10.000 sq ft | 61.7 | 123.5 | 185.2 |
Test your soil before you spread it
A simple soil test (pH and nutrients) from a local extension office or a home kit costs little and tells you whether to add lime, sulfur or fertilizer. Lawns generally prefer a pH of 6.0–7.0. It's far easier to correct soil while it is spread open than after the grass is in.
Topsoil, garden soil or fill dirt?
Topsoil is the screened upper layer of soil with organic matter — good for lawns and general planting. Garden soil or raised bed mix is blended with compost for better drainage in containers. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter, used to raise grade before adding topsoil on top.
For raised beds, a blend of roughly half topsoil and half compost works best — use the raised bed soil calculator for the mix. For a finished lawn, plan on grass seed or sod after grading.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
About 1,900–2,600 pounds, or roughly 1 to 1.3 tons, depending on moisture and organic content.
How much topsoil do I need for a lawn?
Plan for 4–6 inches for a new lawn. A 1,000 sq ft lawn at 4 inches needs about 12 cubic yards before settling.
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
A 40-lb bag is about 0.75 cubic feet, so there are roughly 36 bags in a yard. Bulk is much cheaper for large areas.
How much topsoil do I need to cover 1,000 square feet?
At 1 inch deep: 3.1 yards. At 2 inches: 6.2 yards. At 4 inches: 12.3 yards. At 6 inches: 18.5 yards.
How much does a yard of topsoil cost?
Screened topsoil typically costs $20–$50 per cubic yard in bulk, plus delivery, and about $3–$6 per 40-lb bag.
Is screened topsoil worth it?
Yes, for lawns and gardens. Screening removes rocks and debris, giving a smoother finish and easier planting.
How much topsoil to put over existing grass?
Spread no more than ½ inch over living turf; deeper layers smother grass. For deeper changes, remove the sod first.
Can I mix topsoil and compost?
Yes — a 50/50 mix is common for raised beds; for lawns, mix 1 part compost into 3–4 parts topsoil.
Sources and further reading
- Planting a new lawn — University of Illinois Extension
- NIST Special Publication 811: conversion factors — National Institute of Standards and Technology
These references support the general guidance on this page. The calculator applies the standard formulas shown above to the numbers you enter.
Related calculators
. Estimates only. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering, and add extra for waste and site conditions.