TOPSOIL CALCULATOR

Topsoil Calculator — How Much Topsoil Do I Need?

Estimate how much topsoil you need for lawn preparation, raised beds, garden borders or landscaping. Enter the area and desired depth to get volume, weight and an estimated bag count for both bagged and bulk delivery options.

Area dimensions

Depth

Waste allowance

Total topsoil needed
—m³

Enter dimensions to see estimate.

Calculate Topsoil by Volume, Weight and Bag Count

The Interior Tailor Topsoil Calculator tells you how much topsoil you need for lawn preparation, raised beds, garden borders and landscaping. Enter the length, width and depth, add a waste allowance for settling, and get the volume in cubic yards or cubic metres, an estimated weight and an approximate bag count. Whether you are ordering a bulk delivery for a new lawn or a few bags for a raised bed, the calculator gives you the numbers to plan and budget with.

What the Topsoil Calculator Includes

  • Area-based estimate: enter length and width in metres or feet.
  • Depth presets: quick buttons for common depths of 5, 10 and 15 cm.
  • Waste allowance: add extra for settling, since topsoil compacts once watered in.
  • Volume and weight: results in cubic yards or cubic metres, with an estimated weight.
  • Bag and bulk planning: an approximate bag count alongside the bulk volume.

How Much Topsoil Do I Need?

Volume is calculated by multiplying area by the required depth:

Volume = Length × Width × Depth

One cubic yard of topsoil covers approximately 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep or 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep. Topsoil weighs approximately 2,000 lb (900 kg) per cubic yard. Always add 10–15% for settling — topsoil compacts once watered in.

Topsoil Depth by Application

  • Lawn topdressing: 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) — just enough to level and improve drainage
  • New lawn establishment: 10–15 cm (4–6 in) — minimum depth for healthy root establishment
  • Raised vegetable beds: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) — deeper promotes better yields
  • Filling low spots: 5–10 cm (2–4 in)
  • Landscaping borders: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)

Bulk vs Bagged Topsoil

For projects over 1 m³ / 1.3 yd³, bulk topsoil delivered by truck is much more economical. Bagged topsoil (typically 0.75–1 cu ft per bag) is convenient for small areas, topdressing and raised beds.

  • Screened topsoil: Fine-sieved to remove stones and debris. Best for lawns.
  • Triple mix: Topsoil + compost + peat moss. Premium blend for gardens and raised beds.
  • Garden mix: Topsoil blended with compost. Good general-purpose growing medium.

Always confirm your supplier's topsoil composition before ordering — quality varies widely.

Topsoil Projects You Can Plan

Use the calculator for:

  • New lawns and lawn repairs
  • Lawn topdressing and levelling
  • Raised vegetable beds
  • Garden borders and planting beds
  • Filling low spots

Example Topsoil Estimates

Weights use about 2,000 lb per cubic yard, the figure on this page. Real weight varies with moisture.

Example Topsoil Estimates
ProjectInputsVolumeWith wasteApprox. weight
New lawn1,000 sq ft x 4 in12.35 cu yd14.2 cu yd (15%)about 28,400 lb
Lawn topdressing1,000 sq ft x 1 in3.09 cu yd3.4 cu yd (10%)about 6,800 lb
Raised bed4 ft x 8 ft x 10 in0.99 cu yd (26.7 cu ft)1.09 cu yd (29.3 cu ft)30 bags of 1 cu ft

A 1 cu ft bag count is shown for the raised bed. At 0.75 cu ft per bag you would need about 40 bags.

Tips for an Accurate Topsoil Estimate

  • Match depth to the job: a light 1 to 2 inches for topdressing, 4 to 6 inches for a new lawn, and 8 to 12 inches for raised beds.
  • Add 10 to 15% for settling, since topsoil compacts once it is watered in.
  • Above roughly 1 cubic metre (1.3 cubic yards), bulk delivery is usually more economical than bags.
  • Check the supplier's composition. Screened topsoil suits lawns, while triple mix and garden mix suit beds.
  • Order a little extra for levelling low spots, and measure the depth after raking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for a new lawn?

For a 1,000 sq ft lawn at 4 inches of topsoil: (1000 × 0.333) ÷ 27 = 12.3 cubic yards. Add 15% for settling and buy at least 14 yards.

Can I use topsoil to fill raised beds?

Yes, but straight topsoil can become compacted in raised beds. A 60/30/10 blend of topsoil, compost and perlite or coarse sand produces better drainage and root development.

Is topsoil the same as garden soil?

No. Topsoil is the natural upper layer of soil, which varies widely in quality. Bagged "garden soil" is typically a blend enriched with compost and other amendments — suitable for in-ground planting but too dense for raised beds without mixing.

How much topsoil should I add for topdressing versus a new lawn?

Lawn topdressing needs only a thin layer, about 1 to 2 inches, to level the surface and improve drainage. A new lawn typically needs 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) to support healthy roots.

Should I buy bulk or bagged topsoil?

Bagged topsoil, usually 0.75 to 1 cubic foot per bag, suits small areas, topdressing and raised beds. For projects over about 1 cubic metre (1.3 cubic yards), bulk delivery is usually more economical.

How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?

About 2,000 lb (900 kg), though moisture and composition change it. This matters for trailers, wheelbarrows and delivery limits, so use the weight result when planning transport.