Topsoil Calculator
How much topsoil do you need? Enter area and depth for yards, bags, and cost.
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Cubic feet needed—
40 lb bags (0.75 cu ft)—
Estimated cost (bags)—
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How this calculator works
It multiplies area by depth for the volume, then shows it as cubic yards (bulk delivery) and 40 lb bags, which hold roughly 0.75 cubic feet each.
Worked example — a 20 ft × 10 ft bed at 3 inches:
200 × (3 ÷ 12) = 50 cubic feet → ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards, or about 67 bags.
Bags or bulk delivery?
Bags suit small top-ups. For anything over about 1 cubic yard, bulk topsoil delivered by the yard is far cheaper than buying dozens of bags.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil in a cubic yard?
About 36 bags of the 40 lb (0.75 cu ft) size make one cubic yard.
How deep should topsoil be for grass?
Aim for 3–6 inches of quality topsoil for a healthy new lawn.
Planning a landscaping project
Measure each section separately when a bed or lawn is not a perfect rectangle, then add the sections together. Depth, moisture, compaction, and the way a supplier loads material can change the final quantity, so use the result as a purchasing estimate and confirm the supplier's coverage information.
How to use this estimate
- Measure the project in the units shown and recheck your measurements before ordering.
- Use the waste allowance as a planning buffer, not as a substitute for a detailed material takeoff.
- Compare the result with the package yield, coverage, or weight listed by your supplier.
- Prices are user-entered estimates and may change by location, product, delivery, and season.
Accuracy and limitations
Calculapedia provides educational planning estimates. It does not inspect your site, select products, guarantee quantities, or replace a contractor, engineer, architect, building official, or supplier. Confirm the final quantity and any safety or code requirements before buying or building.