Topsoil Calculator
Calculate cubic yards and tons of topsoil for a lawn or bed from length, width and depth.
How it works
cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27 · tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.1
Topsoil volume follows the same box formula — length times width times depth in feet, divided by 27. Moist screened topsoil weighs roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard, so multiply to convert if your supplier sells by weight. Weight swings a good deal with moisture and organic content, so treat the tonnage as an estimate.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft area at 4 in deep: 20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cu ft, ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards, about 2.7 tons.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil for a new lawn?
Aim for 4–6 in of good topsoil over the subgrade for turf or seed to root well. A thin skim over compacted clay grows a thin, struggling lawn, so depth here pays off for years.
What is the difference between topsoil, fill and compost?
Fill dirt is cheap subsoil for raising grade, topsoil is the fertile upper layer for growing, and compost is decomposed organic matter you blend in. For beds, many people mix topsoil with 20–30% compost.
Why order a little extra?
Fresh topsoil settles and compacts after watering and time, dropping noticeably below the level you first raked. A little surplus lets you top off low spots rather than reorder a small load at a premium.
Related calculators
Estimates only — add for waste and confirm against local building codes and supplier specs.