Soil & Ground

Topsoil Calculator

Use this topsoil calculator to estimate the amount of soil required for a lawn, garden bed, raised bed or grading project. Enter the area and planned depth, then add a waste allowance for uneven ground and settling.

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Step 1

Enter project details

Area sq ft Topsoil depth in Extra / waste % Bag size cu ft Estimated density tons/yd³

Planning estimate only. Confirm local prices, supplier specifications and site conditions before ordering.

Step 2

Your estimate

Area—

Volume—

Bulk volume—

Approx. bags—

Estimated weight—

Bulk topsoil is usually ordered by volume. Bag and tonnage conversions are planning aids because bag sizes, moisture and soil density vary by supplier.

Optional next step

Request a local soil delivery quote

Complete 3 quick steps to check local availability.

100% Free No Credit Card Required No Obligation to Hire

How it works

Tell us what you needAnswer a few quick project questions.
We check local availabilityMatching is based on your ZIP and project details.
Available providers may contact youCompare your options and decide what works for you.

1 Project 2 Details 3 Contact

Step 1 of 3

What kind of project is it?

Choose the service details and enter the five-digit project ZIP code.

ZIP code

Step 2 of 3

A few project details

Confirm who can authorize the work and add a short project description.

Can you authorize work on the property? How ready are you to hire? When would you like the project to start? Tell us briefly what you needOne or two short sentences is enough.

Step 3 of 3

Where can professionals reach you?

Use the contact details for the property where the project is planned. This usually takes about a minute.

Your request stays focused on this project

Your address helps check local service availability and is not posted publicly.
Submitting is free and does not require you to hire anyone.
Your details are used to process and route the home-service request described here.

First name Last name Project street addressEnter the property address. City and state are suggested automatically from the ZIP when available, and every field stays editable. City State PhoneU.S. phone number with area code. Email

✓ 100% Free ✓ No Credit Card Required ✓ No Obligation to Hire ✓ Consent Record Captured

Consent record powered by TrustedForm. Your consent session is independently recorded when you submit this request.

Notice at Collection: We use the information you provide to process and route this project request to participating service providers. Privacy Policy · Your Privacy Choices

How your information is used

Notice at Collection: ProjectMetrica collects the contact, project, device/source and consent information entered or generated with this request to provide contractor matching, document consent, prevent fraud and operate the service. If an eligible match is available, you direct us to disclose the request to participating service providers and platform partners, including WiserLeads/homeyou or Titan Lead Group, for the home-improvement project you selected. The consent session is independently recorded. See the Privacy Policy and Your Privacy Choices.

By submitting, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and that the information you provided is accurate.

Your request may be sent to participating home-improvement providers when a qualifying match is available.

Before you order

Check local supplier specs

Density, bag coverage, pallet size and recommended installation depth can vary by material and supplier.

Professional installation

Start Matching

Connect with a local professional for a site-specific estimate.

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Formula & assumptions

How the topsoil calculator works

Volume (ft³) = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 12. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. The calculator then applies the waste allowance.

For a better estimate

Measure irregular areas in smaller rectangles and add them together.
For bulk delivery, round up rather than ordering the exact theoretical volume.
Soil weight varies with moisture and composition, so tonnage is an estimate.

Useful project tools

Tools that can help with this project

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Measuring wheelMeasure larger lawn and bed dimensions. View on Amazon → Garden rakeSpread and level loose soil or mulch. View on Amazon → Soil test kitCheck basic soil conditions before planting. View on Amazon →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need?+

Multiply the square footage by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. Add a small allowance for settling and uneven ground.

How deep should topsoil be?+

The ideal depth depends on the project. Lawns often use a few inches, while new garden beds may require substantially more.

Why is the weight only an estimate?+

Topsoil density changes with moisture, sand, clay and organic matter. Volume is normally the more reliable way to order bulk soil.

Enter project details

Your estimate

Request a local soil delivery quote

What kind of project is it?

A few project details

Where can professionals reach you?

Check local supplier specs

Start Matching

How the topsoil calculator works

For a better estimate

Tools that can help with this project

Frequently asked questions

Guides for this project

How Much Topsoil Do I Need?

How Deep Should Topsoil Be for a Lawn or Garden?

Topsoil for 1000 Square Feet: How Much Do You Need?

Topsoil Cost per Yard: How to Build a Realistic Budget

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