Topsoil Calculator

How much topsoil do I need?

ft
ft
in

Order this much topsoil

8cubic yards

Includes 5% extra, rounded up to the nearest quarter yard.

30 ft20 ft0"3"6"9"12"
Exact volume200 cu ft
0.75 cu ft bags280 bags
Wheelbarrow loads (5 cu ft)44
Approximate weight8.8 tons
Half-ton pickup trips12

Find the topsoil needed for a new lawn, a low area or a planting bed. New lawns generally need about 4 to 6 inches of usable soil.

How it works

Length × width × depth, converted to cubic yards and raised 5% to cover settling. Weight uses about 1.1 tons per yard.

Before you order

  • Squeeze a handful at the yard. Good topsoil crumbles and is not sticky clay.
  • Mix the first layer into existing ground so water does not stop between two soils.
  • Avoid burying existing tree roots with more than a thin layer.

Common questions

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

Around 1 to 1.2 tons dry, and noticeably more when wet.

How much topsoil do I need for a lawn?

A common target is 4 to 6 inches of good soil where grass roots will grow.