TOPSOIL VOLUME
About this calculator
This topsoil calculator returns the cubic yards, cubic feet, and bag count needed for filling raised garden beds, leveling low spots in a yard, building up the soil profile for a lawn, or topdressing existing turf. Topsoil is sold both in bulk by the cubic yard at landscape supply yards (typically $25-50 delivered per yard depending on quality and region) and in 40 lb bags at home centers (~0.75 ft³ per bag, 5-8 dollars each). For any project over 1 cubic yard (about 36 bags), bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper than bagged.
How to use this calculator
Measure the area length and width in feet — for irregular beds or yards, use the L-shape toggle. Set the fill depth in inches: 8–12 inches for raised vegetable beds; 6 inches minimum for new lawn over a graded base; 0.25–0.5 inches per pass when topdressing existing turf. The calculator returns cubic yards (the bulk-delivery unit), cubic feet (handy for mixing math), and the equivalent count of standard 0.75 ft³ bags.
For under 1 cubic yard total, bagged topsoil from Home Depot or Lowe's makes sense — easier to handle, no delivery scheduling. Over 1 yd³ (about 36 bags), bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper. A typical landscape supplier delivers 1–10 cubic yards for $25–$50 per yard plus a $50–$100 delivery fee.
Worked example
For an 8 × 4 ft raised vegetable bed at 12 inches deep:
Volume = 8 × 4 × (12 ÷ 12) = 32 ft³. Cubic yards: 32 ÷ 27 = 1.19 yd³. Bags: 32 ÷ 0.75 = 43 bags.
At ~$5 per 0.75 ft³ bag, bagged topsoil costs $215. Bulk delivery of 1.5 yd³ at $40/yd + $75 delivery = $135 — saves $80 and one trip with a wheelbarrow from the curb to the bed.
For lawn fill on a 50 × 30 ft yard at 4 inches: 1,500 × (4/12) = 500 ft³ = 18.5 yd³. Definitely bulk territory — at $40/yd² delivered in two truckloads, ~$800.
For topdressing a 1,000 ft² lawn at 0.25 inch per pass: 1,000 × (0.25/12) = 20.8 ft³ = 0.77 yd³ per pass. One bulk delivery ($75) covers two passes, with leftover for repairs.
Common mistakes & waste factors
Not screening the topsoil for trash. Cheap "topsoil" from low-cost suppliers often contains rocks, glass, plant debris, even old construction waste. Pay slightly more for screened topsoil for raised beds and lawn install.
Filling raised beds with pure topsoil. Pure topsoil compacts hard within a season. Mix 60% topsoil + 30% compost + 10% perlite or coarse sand for raised beds — this gives lasting structure plus drainage.
Skipping a soil test. A $20 soil test from your county extension office tells you pH, NPK levels, and major issues. Worth doing before dumping yards of fill that may be wrong for your plants.
Underestimating settling. Fresh topsoil settles 15–25% in the first year as organic matter compresses and rain rinses out air pockets. Order 15–20% extra if final grade matters (around foundations, walkways).
Rules of thumb
Topsoil weighs 1,800–2,400 lb per cubic yard depending on moisture and organic content.
Bagged: ~0.75 ft³ per standard bag. 36 bags = 1 cubic yard.
Bulk delivery breakeven: ~1 cubic yard. Below: bagged. Above: bulk.
Raised bed depth: 8–12 inches for vegetables, 6 inches minimum for shallow-rooted ornamentals.
Lawn fill: 4–6 inches over a graded base.
Topdressing: 0.25–0.5 inches per pass, no more.
A pickup truck holds about 1.5–2 yd³ heaped. Bulk yards typically deliver in 1, 2, 5, or 10-yard loads.
Common questions
Tool and material links below are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.