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.

✓ Free✓ Instant result✓ No signup

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 three short steps to check for available local professionals.

Free to submit No purchase required

How matching works

ProjectMetrica helps route your soil / mulch / rock delivery request to participating platform partners or service providers when an eligible match is available.

Availability depends on ZIP code, service and project details.
ProjectMetrica is not the contractor and may receive compensation for an accepted request.

ProjectMetrica collects this request and may share it with participating service providers and platform partners for the home-improvement project you selected. The consent session is independently recorded. See the Privacy Policy.

1 Project 2 Timing 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

When are you planning the work?

These details help make the request more relevant. No availability check is sent yet.

Hiring status Project timeframe Can you authorize work on the property? Project details

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 street address where the work is planned. You can correct every address field before submitting. City State Phone Email

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

Compare local project quotes

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

Get free quotes →

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?

When are you planning the work?

Where can professionals reach you?

Check local supplier specs

Compare local project quotes

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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