How Do I Calculate How Much Topsoil I Need?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet), divide by 27 for cubic yards. One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches. Screened topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Add 5–10% for settling and uneven ground.
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard for bulk delivery or by the bag for small projects. One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep. Knowing your area dimensions and target depth gives you an accurate order quantity so you avoid costly second deliveries.
Formula:Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards. Multiply by density (tons per cubic yard) to convert to tons. Add 5-10% for waste, settling, and uneven ground.
How Deep Should Topsoil Be for Different Projects?
New lawns need 4–6 inches of screened topsoil; garden beds need 6–8 inches; raised beds need 12–18 inches from scratch. Lawn leveling and overseeding require only 1–2 inches. Sod prep calls for 4–6 inches of quality screened material.
- Lawn leveling and overseeding: 1-2 inches
- New lawn installation (over existing soil): 4-6 inches
- Garden beds and flower borders: 6-8 inches
- Raised beds (filling from scratch): 12-18 inches
- Grading and filling low spots: varies — measure the deepest point
- Sod preparation: 4-6 inches of quality screened topsoil
What Is the Difference Between Topsoil, Garden Mix, and Compost?
Screened topsoil is the all-purpose choice for lawns and grading. Garden mix blends topsoil with compost for better nutrients and drainage — ideal for vegetable gardens. Compost blend is lightest and richest in organic matter but too loose for grading on its own.
Screened topsoil has been sifted to remove rocks, roots, and debris. It is the best all-purpose choice for lawns, grading, and general landscaping. Unscreened topsoilis cheaper but contains small stones and organic matter — fine for fill but not ideal for planting beds.
Garden mix (also called planting mix) blends topsoil with compost and sometimes perlite for improved drainage and nutrients. It is lighter (about 1.0 tons per cubic yard) and best for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and container plantings. Compost blendis the lightest option (0.8 tons per cubic yard) and is rich in organic matter — excellent as a soil amendment mixed into existing beds, but too loose to use alone for grading.
Sandy loam drains well and is ideal for lawns in clay-heavy areas. It sits between screened topsoil and garden mix in both weight and nutrient content.
Is Bulk or Bagged Topsoil Cheaper?
Bulk topsoil costs $25–50 per yard; bagged costs $150–200 per yard equivalent. For quantities over 3 yards, bulk delivery saves significant money. A standard dump truck delivers 10–15 cubic yards.
A standard dump truck delivers 10-15 cubic yards of topsoil. For quantities under 3 yards, most suppliers offer pickup by the scoop. Bagged topsoil (typically 1 cubic foot per bag) costs significantly more per yard — about $150-200 per cubic yard equivalent vs. $25-50 per yard for bulk delivery.
Always ask your supplier whether the topsoil is screened, where it is sourced, and whether it has been tested for pH and contaminants. Quality varies widely between suppliers. For vegetable gardens, request a soil test report or plan to amend with compost and lime after delivery.
Related Calculators
- Mulch Calculator— Estimate mulch for beds and tree rings
- Sand Calculator— Calculate sand for fill and bedding
Written by Daniel McCarney — AceCalc