Topsoil Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and tons of topsoil for lawns, gardens, raised beds and landscaping.
This topsoil calculator converts your project's length, width and depth into the volume and weight of topsoil you need to order. It works for new lawns, overseeding, garden beds, raised beds and general landscaping. Enter your dimensions, add a waste percentage for spreading and settling, and optionally add a cost per cubic yard to estimate total cost before you order.
Your Estimate
Project Area
200.0 ft²
Cubic Feet Needed
66.7 ft³
Cubic Yards Needed
2.47 yd³
Estimated Weight
2.96 tons
Extra for Waste
0.25 yd³
Total Material Including Waste
2.72 yd³
Total Weight to Order
3.26 tons
Based on 27 cubic feet per cubic yard and an average topsoil density of 1.2 tons per cubic yard. Confirm exact density with your supplier before ordering.
Results Actions
Estimates are approximate. Topsoil weight can vary by blend, moisture content and compaction.
Common Topsoil Depths and Thicknesses
How to Use the Topsoil Calculator
- 1Measure the length and width of your project area in feet.
- 2Determine your target topsoil depth in inches based on the project type (see depth guide below).
- 3Choose a waste percentage — 10% for standard spreading, 15%+ for uneven or compaction-heavy ground.
- 4Optionally enter a cost per cubic yard to see an estimated total cost.
- 5Read your results instantly: project area, cubic feet, cubic yards, tons and total to order.
Example Calculation
Say you're topping a 20 ft x 10 ft new lawn area with 4 inches of topsoil and a 10% waste factor. Project area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Depth in feet = 4 ÷ 12 = 0.33 ft. Cubic feet = 200 × 0.33 = 66.7 ft³. Cubic yards = 66.7 ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³. Estimated weight = 2.47 × 1.2 = 2.97 tons. Extra for waste = 2.47 × 0.10 = 0.25 yd³. Total material including waste = 2.47 + 0.25 = 2.72 yd³.
Accuracy & Assumptions
- Results are estimates only.
- Topsoil weight and coverage can vary by soil blend, moisture content and supplier.
- Consider ordering an additional 5–10% for settling and uneven grading.
- Verify all project measurements before purchasing materials.
- Check manufacturer or supplier recommendations for depth on raised beds and garden applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
New lawns typically need 4-6 inches of topsoil spread evenly. For a 500 sq ft yard at 4 inches, that is about 167 cubic feet, or roughly 6.2 cubic yards before waste.
How deep should topsoil be for a raised bed?
Raised beds usually need 8-12 inches of quality topsoil or a topsoil/compost blend, depending on what you are growing and the depth of the bed frame.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
This calculator uses an average of 1.2 tons per cubic yard, though actual weight varies with moisture content, organic matter and soil blend — confirm with your supplier for precise orders.
How much waste should I add for a topsoil project?
Use 10% waste for standard lawn and garden spreading, and more for uneven ground, settling or compaction-heavy areas.
Can I use this calculator for overseeding?
Yes. Enter your lawn area and a thin depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch to estimate the light topdressing needed for overseeding.
This calculator provides an estimate for planning purposes only. Topsoil density, composition and supplier packaging vary — always confirm final quantities with your supplier before purchasing.