Calculators / Topsoil
Topsoil Calculator
Covering 1,000 sq ft with 6 in of topsoil takes 18.5 cubic yards, about 21.3 tons, or 667 bags of 0.75 cu ft. Soil settles, so order 10 to 20% extra for new beds and lawns. Enter your area below.
How much topsoil do you need?
550 cu ft (15.6 m³), area 1,000 sq ft, including 10% extra for settling.
How to calculate topsoil
Cubic feet = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × about 1.15, a typical weight for dry screened topsoil (roughly 2,300 lb per cubic yard). Example: 1,000 sq ft × 6 in ÷ 12 = 500 cu ft, or 18.5 cubic yards.
Topsoil needed by area and depth
Cubic yards, before extra for settling.
| Area | 2 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep | 8 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 | 1.23 | 1.85 | 2.47 |
| 250 sq ft | 1.54 | 3.09 | 4.63 | 6.17 |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.35 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 | 12.35 | 18.52 | 24.69 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 12.35 | 24.69 | 37.04 | 49.38 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 30.86 | 61.73 | 92.59 | 123.46 |
Common questions
How deep should topsoil be?
University extension guides commonly suggest 4 to 6 in for a new lawn, about 6 in under sod, 6 to 8 in for vegetable and flower beds, and 1/4 to 1/2 in when top-dressing an existing lawn. Choose the use above and the calculator sets the depth.
How much area does a yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard covers about 81 sq ft at 4 in deep, 54 sq ft at 6 in and 648 sq ft at 1/2 in.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry screened topsoil weighs roughly 2,100 to 2,600 lb per cubic yard. Wet soil can weigh much more, so check what your truck or trailer can carry.
Should I buy bags or bulk?
One cubic yard equals 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft. For more than a cubic yard or two, bulk delivery is usually easier; bags suit small beds and patches.
Why add extra for settling?
Loose soil settles and compacts after it is spread and watered, so 10 to 20% extra keeps the finished grade where you want it.
How much does a 40-lb bag of topsoil cover?
Most 40-lb bags hold about 0.75 cu ft; check the label, because bag volume varies with moisture. One bag covers about 9 sq ft at 1 in deep, 4.5 sq ft at 2 in or 2.25 sq ft at 4 in.
How much area does a ton of topsoil cover?
At about 1.15 tons per cubic yard, a ton is about 23.5 cu ft (0.87 cubic yards) of soil: enough for about 141 sq ft at 2 in deep, 70 sq ft at 4 in or 47 sq ft at 6 in. Wet soil weighs more, so a ton covers less.
How many wheelbarrow loads are in a yard of topsoil?
A cubic yard is 27 cu ft, or 4.5 level loads in a 6 cu ft wheelbarrow. A level 6 cu ft load of topsoil weighs about 510 lb, so most people carry about half that: plan on 9 trips per cubic yard.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is the top layer of soil with organic matter, used where grass and plants will grow. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter, used to raise or level the ground under the topsoil. The volume math is the same for both.
How we calculated this
Volumes use standard geometry. The weight factor and depth guidance come from soil suppliers and university extension services (Penn State, Purdue, University of California). We test the calculator against 155 worked examples, checked with a separate program. Sources.
Changelog
- : Published.
- : Formulas checked against 155 worked examples, verified with a separate program.
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