Helpful Toolbox

Topsoil Calculator

Tell us the size of your bed and how deep you want the soil, and we'll tell you exactly how much topsoil to order.

📖 How it works & FAQ
— Cubic yards — cubic feet
— Tons (approx.) at ~1.1 ton per cubic yard
— Area covered square feet

How much topsoil do you need?

Buying topsoil is easy to get wrong. Order too little and your new bed sits half-empty until the next delivery; order too much and you're left with a mountain of dirt in the driveway. This calculator turns three simple measurements into the numbers suppliers actually use: cubic yards for bulk deliveries and tons for weight-based pricing.

The math is straightforward. We multiply your bed's length by its width to get the area in square feet, multiply that by the depth (converted from inches to feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Because most screened topsoil weighs roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard, we multiply the yards by 1.1 to estimate tonnage.

Picking the right depth

Depth depends on the job. A fresh lawn or grass seed usually wants 3–4 inches, flower beds like 6–8 inches, and raised vegetable beds are often filled 10–12 inches deep. Deeper soil holds moisture and gives roots more room, so when in doubt, round up a little.

How to use it

  1. Measure the length and width of your bed or area in feet.
  2. Decide how deep you want the topsoil, in inches, and enter it.
  3. Read your cubic yards and tons instantly — the results update as you type.
  4. Round up to the nearest quarter- or half-yard when you order to allow for settling.

These figures are estimates for planning only, not a professional survey or delivery quote — confirm exact amounts with your soil supplier.

FAQ

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
Exactly 27. A cubic yard is a cube three feet on every side, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet.
Why does the calculator show tons?
Many suppliers sell and price bulk soil by weight. We use about 1.1 tons per cubic yard, a common average for moist screened topsoil.
Does topsoil weight really vary?
Yes. Wet, dense, or clay-heavy soil can weigh more, while dry, sandy, or compost-rich blends weigh less, so treat tons as a close estimate.
Should I order a little extra?
Usually. Soil settles and compacts after delivery, so adding 5–10% helps you avoid a second trip.