How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in inches and divide by 324 to get cubic yards. 1,000 sq ft at 4 inches deep needs about 12.3 cubic yards of topsoil, roughly 12 tons. For small jobs, 100 sq ft at 2 inches takes about 17 cubic feet, or 23 bags of 0.75 cu ft.
How to use the topsoil calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area in feet. For a round bed choose Circle and enter the diameter. For an odd shape, split it into rectangles or use the square footage calculator.
- Enter the depth in inches. See the depth guide below if you're not sure.
- Read off cubic yards for a bulk delivery, tons if your supplier sells by weight, or the number of bags.
Topsoil formula
cubic feet = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
tons ≈ cubic yards × 1 (about 2,000 lb per yard)
One cubic yard of topsoil covers about 324 sq ft at 1 inch, 81 sq ft at 4 inches, or 54 sq ft at 6 inches. Damp soil weighs more, so a yard can run from about 1,800 lb dry to over 2,500 lb wet.
Topsoil needed by area
| Area (sq ft) | Yards at 2 in | 0.75 cu ft bags at 2 in | Yards at 4 in | Bags at 4 in | Yards at 6 in | Bags at 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 0.31 | 12 | 0.62 | 23 | 0.93 | 34 |
| 100 | 0.62 | 23 | 1.23 | 45 | 1.85 | 67 |
| 200 | 1.23 | 45 | 2.47 | 89 | 3.70 | 134 |
| 300 | 1.85 | 67 | 3.70 | 134 | 5.56 | 200 |
| 500 | 3.09 | 112 | 6.17 | 223 | 9.26 | 334 |
| 1000 | 6.17 | 223 | 12.35 | 445 | 18.52 | 667 |
How deep should topsoil be?
- Top-dressing a lawn: 1/4 to 1/2 inch, raked into the grass.
- Leveling low spots: up to 2 inches at a time so the grass can grow through.
- Under new sod or grass seed: 4 to 6 inches over loosened subsoil.
- New flower or vegetable beds: 6 to 8 inches. Raised beds: fill to the full depth of the frame.
Bagged or bulk topsoil?
Bags make sense up to about one cubic yard (36 bags of 0.75 cu ft). Past that, bulk soil is usually far cheaper per yard even with a delivery fee. Have it dumped on a tarp close to where you'll spread it, and plan on one person moving about one yard an hour with a wheelbarrow.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil are in a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft (the common 40 lb bag) or 27 bags of 1 cu ft.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
About 2,000 lb (1 ton) when it is slightly damp. Dry topsoil is closer to 1,800 lb and wet soil can be 2,500 lb or more.
How much topsoil do I need for 1,000 square feet?
At 4 inches deep you need about 12.3 cubic yards. At 2 inches it is about 6.2 yards, and at 6 inches about 18.5 yards.
How much topsoil do I need to level a yard?
For low spots, add no more than 1/2 inch at a time over existing grass so it can grow through. 1,000 sq ft at 1/2 inch is about 1.5 cubic yards. Deeper dips need the turf lifted first.
How much topsoil do I need for new sod?
Lay 4 to 6 inches of topsoil over loosened ground before sodding. For 500 sq ft that is about 6.2 to 9.3 cubic yards.