Landscaping Materials

Topsoil Calculator

Enter the area shape and depth of topsoil you are adding. Results include cubic yards, weight, and bag count so you can compare a bulk delivery against bagged topsoil for smaller jobs.

Area
ft
ft
in
%

Order topsoil

1.5 cu yd

net 0.99 cu yd

Approximate weight

1 tons

2,000 lb

40 lb bags

38

without waste 36

Area

80 sq ft

Cubic feet

26.7 cu ft

Cubic meters

0.76 m³

Assumptions

  • Screened topsoil density: about 75 lb per cubic foot (roughly 1 ton per cubic yard).
  • Bag: about 0.75 cubic feet at 40 lb.
  • Order quantity rounded up to the nearest half cubic yard.

Sizing a topsoil order

Topsoil is one of the highest-volume materials in most yards. A modest 1,000 sq ft area at 4 inches deep is roughly 12 cubic yards, which is about a full dump-truck load. Get the depth right first: too shallow and the new grade will not hold seed or sod; too deep and you spend hundreds of dollars on soil the roots will never reach.

Bulk vs bags

Bags start to lose the argument above about 1 cubic yard because a yard is roughly 36 bags at 40 lb each. Two yards is 72 bags, which is more than most vehicles can safely carry.

Blend for planting

Pure topsoil is a fill and grading material. For a raised bed or new planting, blend 40 to 60 percent topsoil with compost and coarse sand to improve drainage and organic content.

Frequently asked questions

Related calculators

Educational estimates only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice.

This site uses cookies, including for advertising, to keep the calculators free. See our Privacy Policy.