Topsoil Calculator
Cubic yards & bags of topsoil for lawns and beds
Filling a bed or leveling a lawn? Enter the area and depth to get the cubic yards of bulk topsoil and the equivalent 40 lb bags.
How much topsoil do I need?
Topsoil is area × depth. Use 1–2 inches to level low spots, 4–6 inches to establish a new lawn, and 6–12 inches for new planting beds. Order a little extra — soil settles and compacts once it's spread and watered in.
Topsoil: bags vs. bulk
A 40 lb bag holds about 0.75 ft³, so it takes roughly 36 bags to equal one cubic yard. Bags suit a single small bed; for anything larger, bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper per yard and saves a lot of lifting.
Topsoil vs. fill dirt vs. garden soil
Topsoil is screened native soil for general leveling and lawns. "Garden soil" is topsoil already blended with compost for planting. To raise grade under a lawn or patio, cheaper fill dirt belongs underneath, with quality topsoil saved for the top few inches where roots actually grow.
Topsoil Calculator: frequently asked questions
How many 40 lb bags of topsoil in a cubic yard?
About 36 (27 ÷ 0.75).
How deep should topsoil be for new grass?
4–6 inches of quality topsoil for a healthy new lawn; 1–2 inches to topdress.
How much does a yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard spreads about 160 ft² at 2 inches deep, roughly 100 ft² at 3 inches, or about 54 ft² at 6 inches for a new bed.