Topsoil Calculator
For a 500 sq ft garden bed filled to 6 inches deep, you need approximately 9.26 cubic yards of topsoil, weighing about 10 tons. Bulk topsoil costs $15-$50 per cubic yard plus $50-$150 delivery, totaling $190-$610 for this project.
Topsoil Calculator
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How to Calculate Topsoil
Topsoil volume is calculated by multiplying your area (length x width) by the desired depth, then converting to cubic yards. One cubic yard of topsoil covers different areas depending on depth.
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard | Bags (40-lb) per 100 sq ft | Weight per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 7 bags | 600 lbs |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 14 bags | 1,200 lbs |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | 21 bags | 1,800 lbs |
| 8 in | 40.5 sq ft | 28 bags | 2,400 lbs |
| 12 in | 27 sq ft | 42 bags | 3,600 lbs |
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New lawn | 4-6 in | Till into existing soil |
| Garden beds | 6-12 in | Deeper for root vegetables |
| Raised beds | 12+ in | Full fill, mix with compost |
| Topdressing | 1-2 in | Over existing lawn |
| Grading/leveling | Varies | Fill low spots |
Tips
- Topsoil weighs about 2,200 lbs per cubic yard; check your vehicle's payload capacity before hauling
- Screen topsoil is worth the premium for garden beds as it removes rocks and debris
- Mix 20-30% compost into topsoil for planting beds to improve drainage and nutrients
- Order 10% extra for settling; topsoil compacts about 10-15% after watering
- Bulk delivery is cost-effective for orders over 3 cubic yards
Frequently Asked Questions
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
For a new lawn, spread 4-6 inches of topsoil over the area. A 1,000 sq ft lawn needs 12.3-18.5 cubic yards at those depths. At an average bulk price of $30/yd, that's $370-$555 in materials.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
One cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 2,000-2,200 pounds (about 1 ton). Wet topsoil can weigh up to 3,000 lbs per cubic yard, so account for moisture content when hauling.
How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
A standard 40-lb bag of topsoil contains about 0.75 cubic feet. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so you'd need approximately 36 bags to equal one cubic yard. Bags are convenient for small projects but expensive for large areas.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is natural surface soil (top 4-12 inches) sold as-is or screened. Garden soil is topsoil amended with compost, peat moss, or fertilizer for planting. Garden soil costs $35-$60/yd vs $15-$50/yd for topsoil.
How much does topsoil delivery cost?
Bulk topsoil delivery typically costs $50-$150 per load for distances under 20 miles. Most suppliers deliver 10-15 cubic yards per truckload. Some offer free delivery on orders over 5 cubic yards.