Topsoil / Soil Calculator

Please fill in the required fields with values greater than 0.
–cubic yards
–cubic feet
–1 cu ft bags
–2 cu ft bags

Estimate only. Bagged soil is often sold in 0.75, 1 or 2 cubic foot bags, so check the label.

How to use this calculator

Enter the length and width of the bed or lawn area and the depth of soil you want in inches. Choose the extra for settling and press Calculate to see the cubic yards and the number of bags.

The formula

Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27

Example: A raised bed 10 ft × 4 ft filled 6 inches deep needs 20 cubic feet. With 10% extra that is 22 cubic feet, or 0.81 cubic yards.

What affects how much soil you need

The calculator turns your bed or lawn size into cubic feet, cubic yards and bag counts. Cubic yards are how landscape yards sell bulk soil. Bag counts help if you plan to buy at a garden center. The settling allowance adds a little extra because loose soil packs down after watering and walking.

A quick example

A 10 by 4 foot raised bed filled 6 inches deep needs 20 cubic feet of soil. With the recommended 10% for settling, that becomes 22 cubic feet, or about 0.81 cubic yards. In bags, that is 22 bags of 1 cubic foot or 11 bags of 2 cubic feet.

Factors that change the amount

  • Depth. This has the biggest effect. Going from 6 to 12 inches deep doubles the soil.
  • Settling. Fluffy bagged mixes and fresh compost settle more than screened topsoil. Use 10% for new beds and 0 to 5% for a thin top dressing.
  • Uneven ground. Low spots soak up extra soil. Take a few depth measurements and use the average.
  • Bag size. Bags come in 0.75, 1 and 2 cubic foot sizes. Check the label so your count matches what you buy.

Tips and common mistakes

  • Do not mix up inches and feet. Enter depth in inches as the tool asks.
  • Measure irregular beds as a few rectangles and add the results together.
  • Pick the right product. Topsoil suits lawns and grading. Raised beds and containers usually do better with a blend of topsoil and compost, or a raised bed mix.
  • Loosen the existing ground before adding new soil so the layers blend and water drains well.
  • Do not pile soil against house siding. Keep the grade sloping away from the foundation.

Buying and cost

Enter a price per cubic yard to see the total cost. Bulk soil is usually cheaper once you need more than about 1 to 2 cubic yards, but delivery fees can add a lot to a small order. Ask the supplier about minimum loads and where the truck can dump. A cubic yard of moist topsoil is heavy, roughly a ton or more, so plan for wheelbarrow trips and a tarp to protect the driveway. For small beds and pots, bags are cleaner and easier to carry.

Frequently asked questions

How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?
Spread 4 to 6 inches of topsoil for a new lawn and 1/2 to 1 inch when you are only leveling or overseeding.
How much soil do I need for a raised bed?
Fill the bed to within an inch or two of the top. A 4 by 8 ft bed that is 12 inches deep needs about 1.2 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil cover?
About 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, or about 54 square feet at 6 inches deep.
Is bulk soil cheaper than bags?
For more than about 1 to 2 cubic yards, bulk delivery is usually cheaper than bags.
How many bags of soil are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. That is 27 bags of 1 cubic foot, about 14 bags of 2 cubic feet or 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet. Always check the bag label, because some products list volume in quarts or liters instead. One cubic foot is about 25.7 dry quarts.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is the upper layer of natural ground, often screened, and is used for lawns, grading and filling low spots. Garden soil is usually topsoil blended with compost or other organic matter, which suits flower and vegetable beds. Potting mix is lighter still and is meant for containers, not for filling large areas in the ground.
Can I fill the bottom of a raised bed with something cheaper?
Yes, for deep beds. Many gardeners line the bottom with cardboard and add branches, logs or leaves before topping with soil. This reduces how much soil you buy. The organic material breaks down and settles over time, so expect to top up the bed each year. Keep at least 8 to 12 inches of good soil for roots.