Topsoil Calculator
Estimate how much topsoil you need for lawns, gardens, raised beds, grading, leveling, and landscaping projects.
Project dimensions
Enter the area, soil depth, waste, and optional price.
How to Use the Topsoil Calculator
Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you want to cover with topsoil. The calculator estimates the total soil volume, applies your selected waste percentage, estimates weight from soil density, and calculates optional material cost.
Common Topsoil Depths
| Project Type | Common Topsoil Depth |
|---|---|
| Light lawn leveling | 1–2 inches |
| New lawn installation | 4–6 inches |
| Garden bed refresh | 2–4 inches |
| Raised garden bed | 8–12+ inches |
| Grading or low spots | Varies by project |
Example Topsoil Estimate
For a 20 ft by 10 ft area at 6 inches deep, the volume is about 100 cubic feet. Dividing by 27 gives about 3.70 cubic yards. With 10% waste, that becomes about 4.07 cubic yards. At 1.1 tons per cubic yard, that is roughly 4.48 tons of topsoil.
Should You Add Extra Topsoil?
Yes. Topsoil can settle after spreading, watering, and compaction. A 5–10% waste allowance helps account for settling, uneven ground, spreading variation, and small measurement differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much topsoil I need?
Multiply length by width by depth to find volume. In US units, convert depth from inches to feet first, then divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
New lawns commonly need 4–6 inches of topsoil, depending on the existing soil, grading, and how much organic material is already present.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Topsoil weight varies by moisture and composition, but a common estimate is about 1 to 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Does topsoil settle after spreading?
Yes. Topsoil can settle after watering, rain, and compaction. Adding extra material helps account for this settling.