Topsoil Calculator — Yards & Tons
Enter the area and depth to get the cubic yards and tons of topsoil required.
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How it works
cubic yards = (area_sqft × depth_in) ÷ 324; tons = cubic yards × 1.08
Topsoil (cubic yards) by area and depth
| Area | 1 in (top-dressing) | 3 in | 6 in (new bed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.31 cu yd | 0.93 cu yd | 1.85 cu yd |
| 250 sq ft | 0.77 cu yd | 2.31 cu yd | 4.63 cu yd |
| 500 sq ft | 1.54 cu yd | 4.63 cu yd | 9.26 cu yd |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 9.26 cu yd | 18.52 cu yd |
Topsoil weighs roughly 1.08 tons per cubic yard, so the cubic-yard and ton figures are nearly the same. Order about 10% extra for settling.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
Bagged topsoil is sold by volume. A cubic yard is 27 cu ft, so it takes 36 of the 0.75 cu ft bags, 27 of the 1 cu ft bags, or 18 of the 1.5 cu ft bags to equal one bulk yard. Bulk delivery is far cheaper above about 1 yard.
How much topsoil do I need to level a lawn?
For leveling and top-dressing, spread a thin ¼–½ inch layer so you do not smother the grass. At ½ inch, 1,000 sq ft needs about 1.5 cubic yards. Rake it in and repeat in stages for deeper low spots.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1 to 1.3 tons (2,000–2,600 lb) depending on moisture and organic content; this calculator uses about 1.08 tons per cubic yard. Wet or clay-heavy soil weighs more.