Topsoil Calculator — How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Calculate cubic yards of topsoil needed for garden beds, lawn repairs, and landscaping projects.
Your Results
1.19
Cubic Yards
32.0
Cubic Feet
32
Bags (1 cu ft)
1.30
Tons
* ~2,200 lbs per cubic yard. Add 10% for settling.
Coverage at Different Depths — 96 sq ft
| Depth | Cu Yards | Bags (1 cu ft) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 0.59 | 16 | 0.65 tons |
| 3 inches | 0.89 | 24 | 0.98 tons |
| 4 inches | 1.19 | 32 | 1.30 tons |
| 6 inches | 1.78 | 48 | 1.96 tons |
| 8 inches | 2.37 | 64 | 2.61 tons |
| 12 inches | 3.56 | 96 | 3.91 tons |
Formula
Worked Example
Frequently Asked Questions
How much topsoil do I need for a 10×10 garden bed at 4 inches deep?
For a 10×10 ft bed (100 sq ft) at 4 inches deep you need 1.23 cubic yards — about 34 one-cubic-foot bags, or roughly 2,700 lbs if bulk-ordered by the ton.
How deep should I put topsoil?
For new garden beds: 4–6 inches of topsoil over existing soil. For lawn repair or overseeding: 1–2 inches. For raised beds from scratch: 8–12 inches is ideal.
How many cubic yards are in a truckload of topsoil?
A standard pickup truck bed holds about 1–2 cubic yards. A small dump truck carries 5–7 cubic yards. A full-size dump truck carries 10–14 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Topsoil weighs approximately 2,000–2,400 lbs per cubic yard when dry. The average used for bulk estimates is 2,200 lbs/cu yd.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil contains organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial microbes — it supports plant growth. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic content used to raise grade or fill holes.