How it works
Volume = area × depth. We add extra for settling, then give you cubic yards (or m³), an approximate weight using about 1.1 tons per cubic yard (1.3 t/m³), and the bag count.
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Top-dressing an existing lawn | ¼–½ in (6–12 mm) |
| New lawn from seed or sod | 4–6 in (100–150 mm) |
| New flower bed | 8–12 in (200–300 mm) |
| Raised vegetable bed | The full bed depth, usually 10–18 in |
Tips
- Ask for screened topsoil, without stones and roots, for lawns and beds.
- Spread it in layers and firm each one lightly so it settles evenly.
- A cubic yard of topsoil is about a ton, so check the delivery truck can reach your drive.
Laying turf on top? Use the sod calculator next.
More landscaping tools: gravel calculator · mulch calculator · sod calculator.
FAQ
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
Spread 4–6 in of topsoil over prepared ground before seeding or laying sod. For 1,000 sq ft at 4 in, that's about 12.3 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1 to 1.2 tons per cubic yard (about 2,000–2,400 lb), and more when it's wet. The calculator uses about 1.1 tons.
How much soil do I need for a raised bed?
Use the bed's inside length, width and depth. A 4 × 8 ft bed 12 in deep holds 32 cu ft, about 1.2 cubic yards. Many people use a mix of topsoil and compost.
Why add extra topsoil?
Loose soil settles by 10–20% after watering and walking on it, so order 10–15% more than the bare volume.