Soil volume and cost estimator

Topsoil Calculator

Estimate topsoil volume, retail bags, approximate bulk tons, ordering allowance and material cost from dimensions or a known area.

Bulk density is editable because soil moisture and composition varyUpdated 2026-08-02

Soil project inputs

Measure the planting area

US unitsMetric

Length and widthKnown area

Length ftWidth ft

Finished depth inEnter the finished soil depth after placement and settling.Ordering allowance %Allows for edges, settling and handling.

Bag volume cu ftCheck the soil bag label; 1 cu ft is common.Bag price USD / bagOptional retail comparison price.Bulk price USD / yd3Use the supplier quote for delivered soil.Bulk density tons / yd3Approximate only; moisture changes soil weight.

Topsoil to order--

Enter dimensions to estimate material.

Bulk volume--

Retail bags--

Project area--

Bulk material cost--

Bag material cost--

Allowance--

Project profile

Material coverage check

Project area6 in finished depth

The drawing is a planning aid and is not a site survey. Measure irregular edges separately and confirm the finished depth with the supplier or installer.

Transparent estimate

Calculation breakdown

1
Project area
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2
Required material
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3
Ordering allowance
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Results are planning estimates. Product coverage, settlement, moisture, site preparation and supplier rounding can change the quantity purchased.

Reference values

Topsoil depth and weight assumptions

Depth

Lawn topdressing, garden beds and raised beds use different finished depths. Enter the layer you actually plan to install.

Bulk weight

Topsoil density changes with moisture, organic content and composition. The density input is an approximate planning value, not a certified truck weight.

Volume first

For purchasing, cubic yards and the supplier's stated delivery quantity are usually more useful than an estimated tonnage.

Primary referencesUSDA NRCS - Soil Bulk Density University of Minnesota Extension - Soil Cornell Soil Health - Soil Basics

Topsoil calculator FAQ

How do I calculate topsoil for a garden bed?

Multiply bed length by width and the finished soil depth, convert the volume to cubic yards, and add the selected allowance.

How deep should topsoil be for grass?

The appropriate depth depends on existing soil, grading and the lawn plan. Use the depth specified by the landscape professional or local extension guidance.

How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?

At 1 cubic foot per bag, one cubic yard is 27 bags before allowance. The actual product volume is printed on the bag.

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

Weight varies widely with moisture and composition. This calculator uses your editable density to provide an approximate planning weight.

Does the estimate include delivery or soil amendments?

No. Delivery, compost, fertilizer, grading, excavation, labor and taxes are separate from the entered material price.