Topsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need for new lawns, raised beds, leveling projects, or garden fill. Cubic yards, bags, weight, and bulk delivery cost in seconds.
You'll need
2.96 cu yd · 40 bags
Cost
$45–$150
Project details
Areas
Area 1
Area: 160 sq ftVolume: 80 cu ft
Total160 sq ft · 80.00 cu ft
Material
Topsoil · For lawns, gardens, raised beds. Quality varies — ask for screened/aged.
Default depth: 6"Density: ~80 lbs/cu ft
How you'll buy it
💡 Bulk delivery recommended
Your project is ≥1 cubic yard — bulk is usually half the cost of 40 bags.
Leave blank to use estimate
Default: $15–$50/yd
Typical: $50–$120
Extras
Plastic, metal, or stone edging
Cost breakdown
Showing bulk delivery pricing (recommended for your volume).
Topsoil · 3.00 cu yd$45 – $150
Total project cost$45 – $150
💡 Comparison: 40 bags would cost $120 – $280; bulk (3.00 yd) would cost $45 – $150.
Shopping list
Everything you need for this project.
- Topsoil (bulk delivery)3.00 cu yd
- Wheelbarrow1
- Garden rake & flat shovel1 set
- Gloves1 pair
- Tamper or hand compactor (for compaction)optional
Ready to buy?
Get quotes from local landscape supply yards.
Math breakdown
Step-by-step from your inputs.
Area 1 · 20 × 8 × 6"/1280 cu ft
Total volume80.00 cu ft
Cubic yards · ÷ 272.96 cu yd
Bags · ÷ 2 cu ft per bag40 bags
Weight · @ 80 lbs/cu ft6,400 lbs (3.20 tons)
Pro tips
Lawns: 4-6 inches. New lawn installation needs 4-6 inches of quality topsoil. Less than 4 and grass roots can't establish deep enough to survive summer heat.
Raised beds: full depth. Fill raised beds to the brim — soil settles 10-15% over the first season. A 12-inch-deep bed actually needs about 13.5 inches of fill.
Ask for screened. Screened topsoil has been sifted to remove rocks, roots, and debris. Costs $5-$15 more per yard but saves hours of pulling junk out by hand.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil for a 100 sq ft area?▾
At 4 inches deep: 1.25 cubic yards (about 1.65 tons). At 6 inches: 1.85 cubic yards. The calculator handles your exact size and depth.
Is topsoil the same as garden soil?▾
No. Topsoil is basic dirt; garden soil is topsoil with compost and amendments mixed in. Garden soil costs 2-3× more but is ready to plant in. For lawns: topsoil is fine. For vegetable gardens: garden soil.
How heavy is a cubic yard of topsoil?▾
About 2,000-2,400 lbs per cubic yard (just over 1 ton). Wet topsoil is heavier. Your driveway can support it, but be careful with the dump truck location.
Can I just dump topsoil on existing lawn?▾
Up to 1/4 inch (topdressing) is fine. Anything thicker smothers existing grass. For thicker fills, kill the existing grass first or strip and replace.
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Disclaimer. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual material quantities and costs may vary based on site conditions, material availability, and local pricing.