Topsoil Calculator: Estimate Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags (2026 Cost Guide)
Screened native soil for leveling yards, filling low spots and preparing new lawns or garden beds.
Topsoil is sold screened (rocks and roots removed) or as a blended mix with compost. For new sod or seed, spread 4–6 inches; for raised beds, 6–12 inches of a topsoil/compost blend; for top-dressing an existing lawn, just 1/4–1/2 inch. Loose soil settles 15–25% after watering, so order extra.
1Measure your area
2Prices (optional)
+ $75 typical delivery
Your Topsoil estimate
Total volume
2.84 cu. yd
Bags needed
103
Estimated weight
2.98 tons
Bulk order
3 cu. yd
- Bulk (3 yd + delivery)Best value$171
$96 material + $75 delivery
- Bagged (103 × 0.75 cu. ft bag (~40 lb))$307
$2.98 per bag
Bulk delivery saves about $136. Prices are US averages — enter your local quotes above.
Can my truck haul it?
- Mid-size pickup (~1,000 lbs)6 trips
- Half-ton pickup (F-150 / Silverado 1500) (~1,500 lbs)4 trips
- 3/4-ton pickup (2500 series) (~2,500 lbs)3 trips
- 1-ton pickup (3500 series) (~4,000 lbs)2 trips
Material shopping list
| Topsoil — bulk≈ 2.98 tons · $171 delivered | 3 cu. yd |
| Topsoil — or bagged (0.75 cu. ft bag (~40 lb))$307 at $2.98/bag | 103 bags |
| Coverage4" deep · 15% overage included | 200 sq. ft |
Prices are estimates. Confirm bag yield (cu. ft) on the package before buying.
How much topsoil do I need? Quick-reference table
Pre-calculated amounts for common project sizes, including a 15% overage. Bags are based on the 0.75 cu. ft bag (~40 lb); weight uses 2,100 lbs per cubic yard.
| Area | Depth | Cubic yards | Cubic feet | Bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 2" | 0.71 | 19.2 | 26 | 0.75 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.06 | 28.7 | 39 | 1.12 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 4" | 1.42 | 38.3 | 52 | 1.49 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 2" | 1.02 | 27.6 | 37 | 1.07 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.53 | 41.4 | 56 | 1.61 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 4" | 2.04 | 55.2 | 74 | 2.15 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 2" | 2.84 | 76.7 | 103 | 2.98 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 3" | 4.26 | 115 | 154 | 4.47 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 4" | 5.68 | 153.3 | 205 | 5.96 tons |
How much area does a cubic yard of topsoil cover?
| Depth | 1 cu. yd covers | 1 ton covers | 1 bag covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 324 sq. ft | 309 sq. ft | 9 sq. ft |
| 2" | 162 sq. ft | 154 sq. ft | 4.5 sq. ft |
| 3" | 108 sq. ft | 103 sq. ft | 3 sq. ft |
| 4" | 81 sq. ft | 77 sq. ft | 2.3 sq. ft |
| 6" | 54 sq. ft | 51 sq. ft | 1.5 sq. ft |
The topsoil formula, step by step
This calculator uses the standard US bulk-material formula:Cubic Yards = (Area in sq. ft × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)) ÷ 27. Here's a worked example for a 12 × 12 ft area at 4 inches deep:
- Measure the area. Multiply length × width in feet to get square feet. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Convert depth to feet. Divide the depth in inches by 12. A 4" layer is 0.333 ft.
- Calculate cubic feet and yards. Multiply square feet × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add a waste factor. Multiply by 1.15 to add 15% for settling, compaction and spillage.
- Convert to bags and tons. Divide cubic feet by 0.75 for 0.75 cu. ft bag (~40 lb), and multiply cubic yards by 1.05 for tons.
Result: 144 sq. ft × 0.333 ft = 48cu. ft ÷ 27 = 1.78 cubic yards. With 15% extra that's 2.04 cu. yd — about 74 bags or 2.15 tons.
Topsoil cost guide (2026)
- Bulk:$18–$55 per cubic yard (US average ≈ $32), plus about $75 delivery.
- Bagged:0.75 cu. ft bag (~40 lb) ≈ $2.98 each — 36 bags per yard, or about $107 per cubic yard.
- Weight: 2,100 lbs per cubic yard (1.05tons). A half-ton pickup can safely carry about 0.71 cu. yd per trip.
Pro tips for installing topsoil
- Grade soil to slope at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet away from your foundation.
- Loosen the existing soil before spreading new topsoil so the layers bond and drain.
- Order 15–20% extra: loose topsoil settles noticeably after the first rain.
- Ask for 'screened' topsoil — unscreened soil can be full of rocks, roots and clods.
Common uses
- New lawn preparation for sod or seed
- Filling low spots and grading away from foundations
- Raised beds and new garden beds (blended with compost)
Topsoil FAQ
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry topsoil weighs about 2,000–2,200 lbs per cubic yard, and wet topsoil can reach 2,700 lbs. That's more than a half-ton pickup can safely carry.
How many bags of topsoil equal a cubic yard?
It takes 36 bags of 0.75 cu. ft topsoil or 27 one-cubic-foot bags to make one cubic yard.
How much topsoil do I need for new sod?
Spread 4–6 inches of topsoil before laying sod. For a 1,000 sq. ft lawn at 4 inches that's 12.3 cubic yards, or about 14 yards with settling.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is screened native soil used for grading and lawns. Garden soil is topsoil blended with compost or organic matter and is better for flower and vegetable beds.