Topsoil & Dirt Calculator
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1.79 tons of Screened topsoil, 1.63 yd³, 44 bags
Includes 10% extra. In-place volume without the extra: 1.48 yd³.
How much topsoil do I need?
Loose soil settles after it is watered and walked on, so the calculator adds 10% for topsoil and 20% for fill dirt by default. For a 4 × 8 ft raised bed filled 12 inches deep with garden soil, that is 35.2 ft³ (1.3 yd³), or 24 bags of 1.5 ft³ mix.
How deep should topsoil be?
| Job | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Top-dressing an existing lawn | 1/4–1/2 in (0.5–1 cm) |
| New lawn from seed or sod on poor ground | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) |
| Flower and shrub beds | 6–12 in (15–30 cm) |
| Vegetable beds | 8–12 in (20–30 cm) |
| Raised beds | The full height of the bed |
| Filling low spots before topsoil | Fill dirt to grade, then 4 in (10 cm) of topsoil |
Bags of soil per cubic yard
| Bag size | Bags per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 0.5 ft³ bag | 54 |
| 0.75 ft³ bag | 36 |
| 1 ft³ bag | 27 |
| 1.5 ft³ bag | 18 |
| 2 ft³ bag | 14 |
| 3 ft³ bag | 9 |
A cubic meter is 1,000 liters: 20 bags of 50 L or 25 bags of 40 L. Beyond a cubic yard or two, bulk delivery is usually cheaper than bags.
Topsoil, fill dirt, garden soil or compost?
- Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter. It compacts firmly, so it is used to raise grade, fill holes and back-fill walls.
- Screened topsoil is the dark upper layer, sieved to remove stones and roots. Use it for lawns and general planting.
- Garden soil or raised-bed mix is topsoil blended with compost and other amendments for vegetables and flowers.
- Compost is mixed into existing soil or spread as a thin top layer rather than used on its own.
Ask your supplier whether bulk prices are per yard or per ton, and whether the soil is screened. The calculator gives both volume and weight.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
Lawns on poor ground are usually given 4 to 6 inches of topsoil before seeding or laying sod. Top-dressing an existing lawn uses only 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Enter the depth you plan and the calculator does the rest.
How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 27 one-cubic-foot bags, 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet or 54 bags of 0.5 cubic feet. For more than a cubic yard or two, bulk delivery is usually cheaper.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry screened topsoil weighs about 1 to 1.2 tons per cubic yard; wet soil can weigh 30% or more extra. The calculator uses 1.1 tons and lets you enter your supplier's figure.
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter, used to raise or level ground and fill holes because it compacts firmly. Topsoil is the richer upper layer used for growing grass and plants. Many projects use fill below and a few inches of topsoil on top.
How much soil do I need for a raised bed?
Multiply length × width × height. A 4 × 8 ft bed filled 12 inches deep holds 32 cubic feet, about 1.2 cubic yards. Add around 10% because new soil settles after watering.