Topsoil Calculator
Calculates the cubic yards of topsoil needed to fill or top-dress a defined area to a given depth. Perfect for new lawn installations, raised beds, and grading projects.
About this calculator
Topsoil is ordered and priced by the cubic yard, so you must convert your project's length, width, and depth measurements into that unit. Length and width are in feet, but depth is entered in inches and must be converted: depth in feet = depth (in) / 12. The volume in cubic feet is then length × width × (depth / 12). Since 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, the complete formula is: Cubic Yards = (length × width × (depth / 12)) / 27. For a new lawn, 4–6 inches of quality topsoil is recommended; for top-dressing an existing lawn, 1/4 to 1/2 inch is typical. Always order 10% extra to account for settling and compaction after installation.
How to use
Say you are filling a 20 ft × 15 ft raised planting area to a depth of 6 inches. Step 1 — Convert depth: 6 / 12 = 0.5 ft. Step 2 — Calculate cubic feet: 20 × 15 × 0.5 = 150 cu ft. Step 3 — Convert to cubic yards: 150 / 27 ≈ 5.56 cubic yards. Add a 10% buffer for settling: 5.56 × 1.10 ≈ 6.1 cubic yards. Order 6.5 cubic yards (rounding to the nearest half yard) to ensure complete coverage after compaction.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
For establishing a new lawn from seed or sod, a minimum of 4 inches of good-quality topsoil is recommended, while 6 inches is ideal for optimal root development. Use the formula Cubic Yards = (length × width × (depth / 12)) / 27 to find your quantity. For a typical 1,000 sq ft lawn at 4 inches deep, you would need about 12.3 cubic yards. Adding 10% for settling brings that to roughly 13.5 cubic yards — typically one to two bulk truckloads.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt, and which should I use?
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil, typically dark in color and rich in organic matter, making it ideal for planting and lawn establishment. Fill dirt is subsoil — lower in organic content and nutrients — used purely for changing grade or filling voids where plants won't grow. For any project involving plant growth, always use topsoil or a topsoil-compost blend. Using fill dirt as a growing medium results in poor drainage, compaction, and weak plant establishment.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh and how is it delivered?
A cubic yard of topsoil typically weighs between 1,000 and 1,400 lbs (roughly half a ton to one ton) depending on moisture content and soil composition. It is commonly delivered by dump truck in loads of 10–15 cubic yards for large projects, or in 1–3 cubic yard mini-loads for smaller jobs. Some suppliers also offer bulk bags (approximately 0.5–1 cubic yard each) for tight-access areas. Confirm delivery minimums and access requirements — a standard dump truck needs about 12 ft of width and clearance — before finalizing your order.