How to work it out
- Measure the area, and add a separate area for each section.
- Choose a depth from the guide below.
- Keep some extra. Loose soil settles after you spread and water it, so the calculator starts with 10%.
- Check the weight with your supplier if you are hauling it yourself. Wet soil is much heavier.
How deep to go
| Job | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Top-dressing an existing lawn | ¼ to ½ in |
| Filling low spots in a lawn | 1 to 2 in |
| New lawn from seed or sod | 4 to 6 in |
| New vegetable or flower bed | 6 to 12 in |
These are common starting points. Your site, climate and supplier may call for something different.
What one cubic yard covers
| Depth | Area covered |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
Why the weight is only an estimate
The calculator starts at 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Commonly quoted figures for topsoil run from about 0.9 to 1.1 tons, and rain can push that higher. If your supplier gives you a number, type it in.
Top-dressing a lawn
Keep it thin, because a thick layer can smother the grass. Depth takes decimals, so ¼ inch is 0.25.
Common questions
How much area does a yard of topsoil cover?
81 sq ft at 4 inches deep, 54 sq ft at 6 inches and 162 sq ft at 2 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Often around a ton, with common figures from about 0.9 to 1.1 tons. Wet soil can weigh more.
How many bags of topsoil make a yard?
With 0.75 cubic foot bags, 36 bags make a cubic yard. With 1 cubic foot bags, 27 do. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper at that size.
How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?
Use the bed's length, width and height as the depth, in inches. A 4 by 8 ft bed filled 12 inches deep needs about 1.2 cubic yards. Many gardeners use a mix rather than plain topsoil, so check what suits your plants.
Doing this job for a customer? Turn your numbers into a free written estimate on QuoteToPaid.