Topsoil Calculator
Figure cubic yards of topsoil for lawn leveling, garden beds, and fill - then decide between bags and bulk.
Topsoil needed
2.333 cubic yards
60 cu ft before waste
- Bags needed
- 63
- Bagged cost
- $283.50
- Bulk cost
- $93.33
- Bed area
- 120 sq ft
Screened topsoil and garden mix differ in weight and compaction. For raised beds, measure inside dimensions.
How this calculator works
Topsoil uses the same volume math as mulch: square footage × depth in feet.
Bagged topsoil is often sold in 1 cu ft or 40 lb bags. Bulk by the yard is better for anything over a few bags.
cubic feet = sq ft × (depth inches ÷ 12)
- 1–2" to top-dress a lawn
- 4–6" for new garden beds
- 8–12" for raised bed fill
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply area by depth in feet. A 10×10 bed at 6 inches needs 50 cubic feet, or about 1.85 cubic yards.
How many bags of topsoil in a yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so you need 27 of the common 1 cu ft bags per yard before waste.
How deep should topsoil be for grass?
A light top-dress is usually 1 inch or less. New lawn areas often want 4–6 inches of quality topsoil over subgrade.
Related calculators
Keep planning your project with these tools, or browse the Lawn & Garden category.