How many bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?

A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so you'd need approximately 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft topsoil or 27 bags of 1 cu ft topsoil. Bagged soil is convenient for small projects but costs significantly more than bulk—often 3-5x the price per cubic yard.

What's the difference between topsoil and garden soil?

Topsoil is the upper layer of native earth, screened to remove debris. Garden soil is topsoil enhanced with compost, peat moss, or other amendments to improve drainage and nutrients. Use plain topsoil for filling and grading; use garden soil or organic mix for planting beds where plants will grow.

How deep should topsoil be for grass seed?

For new lawns, spread 4-6 inches of quality topsoil before seeding. For overseeding existing lawns, 1-2 inches of topdressing is sufficient. The key is having at least 4 inches of good soil for grass roots to establish—below that, compacted subsoil limits growth.

How deep should topsoil be for flower beds?

Most flower beds need 6-8 inches of topsoil. Annual flowers can grow in 6 inches, but perennials and shrubs benefit from 8-12 inches for deeper root systems. For raised beds, fill the entire depth (typically 12-18 inches) with quality soil mix.

Should I get bulk topsoil or bags?

Bulk delivery is more economical for projects needing 2+ cubic yards. At $25-50 per cubic yard for bulk vs. $4-6 per 1 cu ft bag ($108-162 per cubic yard), bulk saves 50-75% on material costs. Bags make sense only for small projects under 1 cubic yard or where bulk truck access is impossible.

How much topsoil do I need for a 10×10 area?

For a 10×10 foot area (100 sq ft) at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 1.25 cubic yards or about 1.1-1.3 tons of topsoil. At 6 inches deep, you'd need about 1.85 cubic yards. Use our calculator to get exact amounts for your specific depth.

Will topsoil settle after installation?

Yes, fresh topsoil typically settles 10-15% after watering and compaction. Order 10-15% extra material and plan to add more to low spots after a few waterings. Avoid over-compacting before planting, as this reduces drainage and makes root growth difficult.

When is the best time to add topsoil?

Spring and fall are ideal for topsoil projects. Spring allows plants time to establish before summer heat; fall gives soil time to settle before spring planting. Avoid adding topsoil when ground is frozen or waterlogged, as this compacts soil and reduces quality.

How do I calculate topsoil for irregular shapes?

Break irregular areas into rectangles, triangles, or circles. Calculate each section separately and add them together. For rough estimates, measure the longest and widest points, multiply, then reduce by 10-20% for irregular edges. Our calculator works with the average length and width you provide.

Construction

Topsoil Calculator

Calculate the exact amount of topsoil needed for your landscaping project. Get cubic yards, tons, and bag quantities with cost estimates for flower beds, lawns, and gardens.

Project Preset

Unit

Length

Width

Depth

Soil Type

Screened Topsoil

Filtered to remove rocks and debris, consistent texture. Ideal for lawns and flower beds.

Best for: Lawns, flower beds, general landscaping

Related Calculators

You might also find these calculators useful

Mulch Calculator

Calculate how much mulch you need

Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel tons and costs

Square Footage Calculator

Calculate area for rooms and spaces

Potting Soil Calculator

Calculate soil needed for pots, planters, and raised beds

Calculate Topsoil for Your Landscaping Project

Planning a new garden, lawn renovation, or flower bed? Our topsoil calculator tells you exactly how much soil to buy—in cubic yards, bags, or tons. Get accurate quantities for any project size, compare bulk delivery vs. bagged options, and estimate costs before you shop.

What Is a Topsoil Calculator?

A topsoil calculator determines how much soil you need based on the area dimensions and desired depth. It calculates volume in cubic feet, converts to cubic yards (the standard bulk purchase unit), estimates weight in tons, and tells you how many bags to buy. Different soil types have different densities, which affects weight and cost calculations.

Topsoil Volume Formula

Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12)

Why Use Our Topsoil Calculator?

Multiple Soil Types

Calculate for standard topsoil, screened topsoil, organic mix, or garden soil—each with accurate density values.

Bulk vs. Bag Comparison

See costs for bulk delivery alongside bagged options to choose the most economical option for your project size.

Weight Calculations

Know the weight in tons and pounds—essential for planning delivery and ensuring your vehicle or trailer can handle the load.

Real-World Presets

Use pre-configured settings for common projects like flower beds, raised gardens, and lawn repairs to get instant estimates.

Depth Guidelines

Understand recommended depths for different applications—2 inches for topdressing, 4-6 inches for beds, 12+ inches for raised gardens.

Delivery Cost Estimates

Factor in typical delivery charges for bulk orders to get a complete cost picture for your project budget.

How to Calculate Topsoil Needs

Common Uses for Topsoil Calculator

New Lawn Installation

Calculate soil needed to prepare ground for seeding or sodding a new lawn with proper 4-6 inch depth.

Raised Garden Beds

Determine the exact amount of organic soil mix needed to fill raised beds for vegetables or flowers.

Flower Bed Creation

Plan soil quantities for new landscaping beds along walkways, foundations, or garden borders.

Lawn Renovation

Calculate topdressing amounts to level uneven lawns and improve soil quality for existing grass.

Tree and Shrub Planting

Estimate backfill soil needed when planting trees, ensuring proper soil composition for root growth.

Grading and Leveling

Determine fill dirt quantities for correcting drainage issues or leveling yard slopes.

Cost Comparison Shopping

Compare bulk delivery quotes vs. bagged soil prices to find the best value for your project budget.

Delivery Planning

Know the weight of your order to ensure your vehicle or trailer can safely transport the load.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cubic yard of topsoil typically weighs between 1,800-2,400 pounds (0.9-1.2 tons), depending on moisture content and soil type. Dry screened topsoil is around 2,000 lbs/yd³, while wet or clay-heavy soil can exceed 2,400 lbs/yd³. Our calculator uses average densities for each soil type to provide accurate weight estimates.

What Is a Topsoil Calculator?

Topsoil Volume Formula

Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12)