Topsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need for gardens, raised beds, new lawns, and grading projects. Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to get results in cubic yards, tons, and bags.
How to Calculate Topsoil
The topsoil formula converts your project area and depth into volume and weight:
- Measure the area you want to cover in feet (length × width).
- Choose your depth based on the project type (see depth guide below).
- Calculate volume: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards.
- Estimate weight: Cubic Yards × 1.1 = Tons of topsoil.
- Convert to bags: Cubic Feet × 62.4 ÷ 40 = Number of 40 lb bags.
Topsoil Depth Guide
- 1-2 inches: Topdressing an existing lawn or light overseeding
- 4-6 inches: New lawn establishment, seeding, or sodding
- 8-12 inches: Garden beds, raised beds, and flower borders
- 12+ inches: Deep raised beds and major grading or fill projects
Topsoil vs. Garden Soil
- Topsoil: Natural, screened soil ideal for grading, filling, and lawn establishment. It may need amendments for planting.
- Garden soil: Topsoil enriched with compost and organic matter. Best for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and raised beds.
- Best practice: For raised beds, use a 60/40 mix of topsoil and compost. For new lawns, straight screened topsoil works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should topsoil be for grass?
For a new lawn, apply 4-6 inches of topsoil over the existing ground. For overseeding or topdressing an existing lawn, 1-2 inches is sufficient. The topsoil provides nutrients and a loose growing medium for grass roots to establish quickly.
How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?
A standard 4×8 foot raised bed that is 12 inches deep needs about 1.19 cubic yards of topsoil/garden soil mix. For a 4×4 foot bed at 12 inches, you need about 0.59 cubic yards. Fill raised beds with a mix of 60% topsoil and 40% compost for best results.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
A cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 2,000-2,400 lbs (1.0-1.2 tons) depending on moisture content. Dry topsoil is closer to 2,000 lbs, while damp topsoil can weigh 2,400+ lbs. A standard pickup truck can safely carry about 1 cubic yard.