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Landscaping & YardTopsoil Calculator — How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Enter your area and the depth of soil you want to add to estimate topsoil in cubic yards and tons — for new beds, raised beds, lawn leveling, or grading.
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How this calculator works
Volume = length × width × depth, converted to cubic yards. We estimate weight at about 1.1 tons per cubic yard for screened topsoil; wet or clay-heavy soil weighs more.
What changes how much you need
- Screened topsoil ≈ 1.0–1.3 tons per cubic yard; moisture raises the weight.
- For a new lawn, 4–6 inches of quality topsoil gives roots room to establish.
- For raised beds, blend roughly 3 parts topsoil to 1 part compost.
- Order ~10% extra — soil settles noticeably after watering.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Around 1.1 tons (about 2,000–2,400 lb) when screened and dry. Wet soil can exceed 2,700 lb per yard.
How deep should topsoil be for grass?
4–6 inches of good topsoil is ideal for establishing a healthy new lawn.
How much topsoil for a raised bed?
Multiply length × width × depth. A 4×8 ft bed filled 10 inches deep needs about 0.8 cubic yards.