Skip to content
TrueSquare
Open menu

Topsoil Calculator

Work out how much topsoil you need for a new lawn, raised bed or levelling job — by volume, by weight or in bags.

Formulas reviewed 13 November 2026 · See the formula

Topsoil Calculator

Area
ft
ft
in
Material
lb/ft³

Screened topsoil is often ≈70–100 lb/ft³ (≈1,100–1,600 kg/m³) depending on moisture. Default: 75 lb/ft³.

Allowances
%

Loose soil settles after placing and watering; 10–20 % extra is a common allowance.

Bags
ft³

Use the volume printed on the bag. Leave blank if you are buying in bulk.

Cost estimate (optional)
USD /yd³

Enter your local price to estimate cost. Prices vary by supplier and region.

USD /ton

Enter your local price to estimate cost. Prices vary by supplier and region.

USD each

Enter your local price to estimate cost. Prices vary by supplier and region.

Results

Volume needed (incl. allowance)
2.72 yd³
73.3 ft³ · 2.08 m³
Estimated weight
2.75 US tons
2.49 tonnes
Bags needed
98 bags
Area covered
200 ft²18.58 m²
Net volume (no allowance)
2.47 yd³66.7 ft³ · 1.89 m³
  • Weight uses the density you entered. Bulk density varies with stone type, size and moisture — your supplier can confirm the figure for their product.

Estimates only. Prices are your own inputs in USD; material properties vary by product and supplier.

About the topsoil calculator

Topsoil is sold by volume or by weight, and loose soil settles noticeably once it is spread, watered and walked on. This calculator adds a settling allowance and lets you set the density, which matters because moist soil can weigh much more than dry soil.

How to use it

  1. Choose the shape of the area: rectangle, circle, or enter a total area you have already measured.
  2. Enter the dimensions and the depth you want once the material is in place.
  3. Check the density (for weight) — the default is a typical value; your supplier can give you the exact figure.
  4. Keep or adjust the allowance for compaction, settling and waste.
  5. Enter prices the way your supplier quotes them — per ton/tonne, per cubic yard/metre, or per bag.

Formula

Volume

V = area × depth × (1 + settling % ÷ 100)

Weight

W = V × density (default 75 lb/ft³ ≈ 1,200 kg/m³)

Bags

bags = ⌈ V ÷ bag volume ⌉
  • 75 lb/ft³ × 27 = 2,025 lb per cubic yard, i.e. roughly one US ton per cubic yard — a figure often quoted for screened topsoil.

Worked example: A 20 ft × 10 ft area, 4 in deep

  1. Volume = 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 ft³
  2. +10 % settling = 73.3 ft³ = 2.72 yd³
  3. Weight = 73.3 × 75 = 5,500 lb = 2.75 US tons
  4. 0.75 ft³ bags: 73.3 ÷ 0.75 = 97.8 → 98 bags

Result: About 2.75 yd³ in bulk — clearly cheaper than 98 bags for most buyers.

Assumptions and limitations

  • Density varies with soil type, organic content and moisture; wet soil can be far heavier.
  • Settling allowance is a rule of thumb. Raised beds filled with loose mixes may settle more.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

Often roughly one US ton when dry to moist, and more when wet. Ask your supplier if weight matters for delivery or hauling.

How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?

Depth recommendations vary; many guides suggest several inches of good topsoil for seeding or turf. Enter your chosen depth to get the quantity.

Why add extra for settling?

Loose soil contains air pockets. After spreading, rolling and watering it consolidates, so without extra you will end up below your target level.

Sources and further reading

Results are estimates for planning purposes. See our disclaimer for details.