Home & Cooking
Topsoil Calculator
Calculate cubic yards, weight, and bag count of topsoil for any garden bed. Pick loamy, sandy, clay, or compost mix and any US bag size.
Area, depth, and topsoil details
Topsoil needed
2.04 cu yd
55 cu ft over 100 sq ft (9.3 sq m)
- Bags needed
- 37 × 1.5 cu ft
- Weight
- 4,125 lb
- Weight (metric)
- 1,871 kg
- Weight (tons)
- 2.06 tons
- Net volume
- 1.85 cu yd
- Cubic meters
- 1.42 cu m
Most bulk topsoil is sold in cubic yards. 1 yard fills a small pickup truck.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Topsoil Calculator
How much topsoil do I need for a new garden bed?
For a new bed over bare ground, plan on 4-6 inches of topsoil so roots have room to spread. A 10 by 10 ft bed at 6 inches deep needs 50 cubic feet, about 1.85 cubic yards before waste. Add 10% for settling.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Average loamy topsoil weighs about 2,000 lb (1 short ton) per cubic yard. Sandy mixes run closer to 2,300 lb, clay-heavy soil reaches 2,500 lb, and lighter compost blends drop to about 1,600 lb.
Is it cheaper to buy topsoil in bags or in bulk?
Bagged topsoil typically costs $4-8 per cubic foot, while bulk delivery runs $20-50 per cubic yard (27 cu ft). Bulk is almost always cheaper once you pass about 3 cubic yards. Bags only win for small patches under one yard.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?
For new sod or seed, spread 4-6 inches of topsoil over compacted subsoil. For overseeding an existing lawn, 0.25-0.5 inches is enough as a top dressing.
Why does the calculator add a waste percentage?
Topsoil settles 10-20% after spreading and watering, and uneven ground swallows more than flat math suggests. A 10% buffer covers normal settling. Bump to 15-20% on very lumpy sites or sloped beds.