Calculate Your Project
Project Diagram
Total Volume
—Cubic Yards
Enter dimensions above
Estimated Weight
—Tons
Based on Topsoil density (1.1 t/yd³)
🛍️
Bagged Equivalent
— bags (2.0 cu ft)
Free Topsoil Calculator
Never overpay for dirt again.
Enter your project dimensions into the Topsoil Calculator and instantly know how many cubic yards of topsoil to order, how many tons it weighs, and exactly how much it will cost.
Topsoil Coverage per Cubic Yard (by Depth)
| 1 inch deep | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches deep | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches deep | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches deep | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches deep | 54 sq ft |
| 12 inches deep | 27 sq ft |
Topsoil Reference Guide
Topsoil Density & Weight Reference
| Measurement System | Total Volume | Estimated Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial (US) | 1 Cubic Yards | 1.1 Tons (2,200 lbs) |
| Metric (EU) | 1 m³ | 1.44 Tonnes (1,439 kg) |
* Note: Exact weight can vary based on moisture content and compaction.
Topsoil Costs in 2026 (Estimates)
| Bulk screened topsoil, delivered (per cubic yard) | $25 – $45 |
| 40 lb bag (retail) | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| One cubic yard in 40 lb bags (36 bags) | $90 – $144 |
| Garden blend / raised bed mix (per cubic yard) | $35 – $55 |
| 4×8 raised bed, 12 in deep, bulk (about 1.2 cu yd) | $30 – $54 |
| 10 cubic yards screened, delivered (per cubic yard) | $22 – $40 |
Prices are 2026 US averages. Actual costs vary by region and supplier.
Topsoil Types Compared
| Screened Topsoil | Best for new lawns, seeding and top-dressing. Sifted free of rocks and roots. $25 – $45 per cubic yard delivered |
| Unscreened Topsoil | Best for filling low spots and rough grading on a budget. May contain rocks, roots and clumps. About $15 – $30 per cubic yard (estimate) |
| Garden Blend / Raised Bed Mix | Best for raised beds and vegetable gardens. Topsoil blended with compost for nutrients and drainage. About $35 – $55 per cubic yard (estimate) |
| Sandy Loam | Best for leveling under sod and improving drainage in clay soil. Lower in nutrients, so add compost for planting. About $25 – $40 per cubic yard (estimate) |
Yields based on manufacturer specifications. Always check the yield printed on your bag.
Recommended Depths for Topsoil
| Project / Use Case | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| New Lawn (Seeding) | 4–6 inches |
| Overseeding / Top-Dressing Existing Lawn | 1–2 inches |
| Raised Garden Bed | 8–12 inches |
| Tree Planting Backfill | 6–8 inches |
How to Calculate Topsoil Volume
Most landscaping suppliers sell topsoil by the cubic yard. To convert your project area to cubic yards, use this formula:
Volume (cu yd) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Our calculator also multiplies your cubic yard result by 1.1 tons/yd³ (the standard density for topsoil) to show estimated weight — essential if you are hauling the material yourself or need delivery pricing.
Topsoil Calculator: What Topsoil Is, Settling & Screened vs Unscreened
What Topsoil Actually Is
Topsoil is the top 6 to 12 inches of the earth, the dark layer where roots grow and organic matter collects. It is not the same as the pale subsoil beneath it, which landscapers sell as fill dirt. Good topsoil contains roughly 2 to 5 percent organic matter, along with the minerals and microbes that let grass seed germinate and vegetables thrive. When you spread 4 to 6 inches of it for a new lawn, you are giving roots a full season of growing room before they reach the poorer soil below. That depth is why our topsoil calculator asks for your target inches rather than guessing from area alone: at 4 inches, one cubic yard covers 81 square feet, while at 6 inches it covers only 54.The Settling Rule: Always Add 10 to 15 Percent
Loose topsoil is full of air pockets. After the first few waterings and rains, those pockets collapse and the layer you spread settles by 10 to 15 percent. A bed filled to exactly 12 inches will sit at roughly 10 to 10.5 inches within a month. This is the single most common reason people run short and make a second trip. The fix is simple: order 10 to 15 percent more than the raw math shows. For a 4x8 raised bed at 12 inches, the raw volume is about 1.2 cubic yards, so ordering 1.3 to 1.4 yards lands you at the right finished depth. The calculator above includes weight and bag estimates so you can plan for that extra material in whatever form you buy it.Screened vs Unscreened: Which Should You Buy?
Screened topsoil has been passed through a mesh (usually 1/2 to 3/4 inch) that removes rocks, roots, and clumps, leaving a fine, even material that rakes out smoothly. It is the right choice for lawns, seed beds, and any finish surface, at $25 to $45 per cubic yard delivered. Unscreened topsoil is the same soil before sifting: cheaper at roughly $15 to $30 per yard, but inconsistent, and a single load can hide stones the size of your fist. Use unscreened soil only where the surface will be buried or rough-graded, such as filling a large depression before a screened finish layer goes on top. For raised beds, skip both and buy a garden blend of topsoil and compost, which feeds plants from day one.Pro Tips & Insights
1
Always order 10–15% extra to account for settling and compaction after watering. Freshly spread topsoil typically drops 10 to 15 percent in depth within the first few weeks.
2
Test your soil pH before mixing in topsoil. Most lawns thrive between 6.0 and 7.0 pH.
3
For large orders (over 10 yards), a full-size dump truck holds approximately 10–14 cubic yards.
4
Choose screened topsoil for lawns and seed beds. Unscreened soil is cheaper, but it can contain rocks, roots, and clumps that make a smooth finish almost impossible.
5
Switch to bulk once you pass 1 cubic yard. One yard equals about 36 bags of 40 lb topsoil, which costs $90 to $144 at retail, while a bulk yard delivered runs only $25 to $45.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?▼
For a healthy new lawn, lay 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil. This gives grass roots enough depth to anchor and access nutrients. For overseeding an existing lawn, a top-dressing of 1 to 2 inches is sufficient. Use our Topsoil Calculator to find your volume.
How does the Topsoil Calculator estimate weight?▼
One cubic yard of dry topsoil weighs approximately 2,000 to 2,200 lbs (about 1.1 tons). Wet or clay-heavy topsoil can weigh up to 2,600 lbs (1.3 tons) per cubic yard. Check with your supplier if weight matters for your vehicle capacity.
How many square feet does a yard of topsoil cover?▼
One cubic yard of topsoil covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, and 81 sq ft at 4 inches. At the 6-inch depth most new lawns need, one yard covers 54 sq ft.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?▼
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper 6 to 12 inches of soil that supports plant life. Fill dirt is the subsoil below the topsoil layer: it has almost no organic matter and is used purely for structural filling, not for growing plants. Never fill a garden bed or lawn area with fill dirt alone, because seeds and roots will struggle in it.
How many 40 lb bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?▼
One cubic yard of topsoil equals about 36 bags of the standard 40 lb size. Each 40 lb bag holds roughly 0.75 cubic feet, and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 27 divided by 0.75 gives 36 bags. If your project needs more than 1 yard, compare the bag total against bulk delivery before you buy.
How much topsoil do I need for a 4x8 raised bed?▼
A 4x8 foot raised bed filled 12 inches deep needs 32 cubic feet of topsoil, which is about 1.2 cubic yards or roughly 43 bags of 40 lb topsoil. At 8 inches deep, the same bed needs about 0.8 cubic yards, or 29 bags. Most gardeners fill the full 12 inches with a garden blend rather than plain topsoil for better drainage and nutrients.
How much does topsoil cost in 2026?▼
Bulk screened topsoil costs $25 to $45 per cubic yard delivered in small loads in 2026, based on current supplier estimates. Bagged topsoil runs $2.50 to $4 per 40 lb bag, so a full yard in bags (36 bags) costs $90 to $144. Bags only make financial sense for small jobs under half a yard; bulk wins on price for everything larger.