Topsoil Volume Calculator

Cubic yards and 40-lb bags of topsoil for a lawn renovation, garden bed, or fill area.

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter the bed area and depth.
  • Use 2-3 inches for top-dressing a lawn, 6 inches for new beds, more for raised beds.
  • Compare bagged vs bulk pricing — bulk is dramatically cheaper above 2 yards.

About this calculator

Topsoil for lawn renovation is typically applied at 2-3 inches over an existing surface or 6 inches when building a new bed. Bulk topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons per cubic yard. A 40-lb bag yields roughly 0.75 ft³.

Frequently asked

How deep should topsoil be?+
For a new lawn: 2-4 inches over the sub-grade. For raised beds: 6-12 inches. For a tree planting hole: 18 inches around the root ball.
Topsoil vs garden soil?+
Topsoil is screened native soil; garden soil is amended with compost and fertilizer. For vegetable beds, garden soil or a custom mix is better.
Will topsoil compact?+
Yes — about 10-15%. Order 10-15% extra and tamp lightly after spreading.
Can I use topsoil to level a slope?+
For minor grade changes, yes. For major fills, use engineered fill underneath; topsoil is too rich and unstable for structural fills.
How heavy is a yard of topsoil?+
About 2,200 lb dry, up to 3,000 lb wet. Plan your hauling capacity accordingly.

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