Topsoil calculator
Enter the area and depth of topsoil to spread. You get cubic yards for a bulk order and bag counts for smaller jobs.
Figures last reviewed October 2026. See sources.
Density used
Weight is a rough guide only. Sources put topsoil at roughly 2,000 to 2,700 pounds per cubic yard (about 1.0 to 1.35 tons), with about 1.1 tons a common middle figure. Wet or heavy soil is at the top of that range. Pick the option that fits, or enter your supplier's figure. Order by volume when you can.
Topsoil depth: typical ranges
These are common ranges, not requirements. Your soil, climate, and local rules may call for something different.
| Use | Depth |
|---|---|
| Topdressing an existing lawn | Under 1 in |
| New lawn | 4 to 6 in |
| Garden beds and raised beds | 6 to 12 in |
How this is calculated
Area times depth gives volume in cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Soil settles after it is spread and watered, so the calculator adds 10% by default.
Volume is the safest number to order by. Weight is shown as a rough guide because moisture changes it a lot. If you are ordering by weight, ask your supplier how many tons they use per cubic yard.
Example: a 20 ft by 10 ft area at 4 inches deep, with 10% extra, needs about 2.72 cubic yards (73.3 cubic feet), or 74 1 cu ft bags or 37 2 cu ft bags.
How far does one ton go?
Area covered by one ton at different depths, before any extra material.
| Depth | Square feet covered |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 293 |
| 2 in | 146 |
| 4 in | 73 |
| 6 in | 49 |
| 12 in | 24 |
Quick reference: common sizes
Amount needed in cubic yards, including the default 10% extra. Use the calculator above for your exact size.
| Area | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 1.36 | 2.04 |
| 10 × 20 ft | 2.72 | 4.07 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 5.43 | 8.15 |
| 30 × 30 ft | 12.22 | 18.33 |
| 20 × 50 ft | 13.58 | 20.37 |
Common questions
How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. For example, 1,000 square feet at 4 inches deep is about 12.3 cubic yards before the allowance for settling.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
It varies with moisture and mix. Published figures run from about 1.0 ton (2,000 lb) when dry and loose to about 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) when wet or heavy, with about 1.1 tons a common middle figure. Ask your supplier for the figure they use.
How much area does a cubic yard of topsoil cover?
About 146 square feet at 2 inches deep and about 73 square feet at 4 inches deep, before any extra.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?
Four to six inches is commonly recommended for a new lawn, and deeper for gardens and raised beds. Check what your seed or sod supplier recommends.
Do I need to add extra for settling?
Many people do. The default is 10%, which you can change under the advanced options.
Bulk or bagged topsoil?
Bags are convenient for small beds. For larger areas, bulk delivery by the cubic yard is usually more practical. Check the volume printed on bags, because sizes vary.
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