Topsoil Calculator

Estimate how much topsoil to order in cubic yards, bags and tons for a new lawn, a topdressing or a garden bed.

Includes a settling allowance and an editable soil density.

Last updatedHow we build & check our tools
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Results will appear here once you enter your values.

How the topsoil estimate works

The calculator multiplies area by depth in feet to get cubic feet, adds a settling allowance, then divides by 27 for cubic yards. A 25 by 20 foot lawn is 500 square feet. At 4 inches that is 500 x 4 / 12 = 166.7 cubic feet. Adding 20 percent for settling brings the order to 200 cubic feet, or 7.41 cubic yards.

Weight uses a density in tons per cubic yard. Moist screened topsoil typically weighs about 2,200 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.1 tons, so 7.41 yards weighs roughly 8.15 tons. Bagged topsoil is sold by volume, so the same job needs 200 bags of 1 cu ft or 267 bags of 0.75 cu ft.

Recommended depths by project

How deep to spread depends on what the soil has to do. Grass roots do most of their work in the top 4 to 6 inches, while vegetables and perennials need a much deeper rooting zone.

New lawn4 to 6 in, lightly mixed into the loosened subsoil12.35 to 18.52 yd3 per 1,000 sq ft
Overseeding topdress1/4 to 1/2 in, raked into the existing turf0.77 to 1.54 yd3 per 1,000 sq ft
Garden bed8 to 12 in24.69 to 37.04 yd3 per 1,000 sq ft

Never topdress more than 1/2 inch at a time, because thicker layers smother existing grass. Till or loosen the top few inches of native soil before spreading new topsoil so the two layers blend instead of forming a barrier that blocks water and roots.

Why you need a settling allowance

Topsoil is measured loose in the truck, but it compacts once it is spread, rolled and watered. A 15 to 25 percent loss of volume is typical, and fluffy screened soil high in organic matter settles more than dense clay loam. Without an allowance, a 4 inch lawn base can end up closer to 3 inches deep.

Use 20 percent for most bulk loads, 10 percent for bagged soil that is already fairly dense, and up to 25 percent when filling low spots that will be walked on or driven over.

Weight, trucks and delivery

Topsoil weight swings with moisture and texture. Dry sandy loam can be close to 1.0 ton per cubic yard, while wet clay-rich soil can reach 1.3 tons or more. The calculator shows the full 1.0 to 1.3 ton range so you can check a load against a vehicle rating.

  • A half-ton pickup is usually rated for about 1,000 to 1,500 lb of payload, so about half a cubic yard of moist topsoil.
  • A single-axle dump truck commonly carries 5 to 7 cubic yards.
  • At 3 cubic yards or more, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper than bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Topsoil Calculator

Moist topsoil usually weighs about 2,000 to 2,600 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.0 to 1.3 tons. The calculator uses 1.1 tons (about 2,200 lb) by default and lets you change it.

Sources & References

Improving Lawn and Landscape Soils (G6955)

Guidance on adding topsoil and organic matter before establishing lawns and landscape plantings, including recommended depths.
→Source: University of Missouri Extension

Lawn Establishment

Site and soil preparation steps for seeding or sodding a new lawn.
→Source: Penn State Extension

Using Composts to Improve Turf Performance

Compost and soil topdressing rates for established turf, including thin layers of about 1/4 inch.
→Source: Penn State Extension

Soil compaction

How soil bulk density rises as soil compacts and why compaction limits roots and water movement.
→Source: University of Minnesota Extension

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