How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Tell us the area you're covering and how deep, and we'll work out the topsoil in cubic yards and bags.
Shape
Units
Area: 0.0 sq ft
Planning more than one thing? Open the Yard Planner → to trace your whole yard over an aerial photo and total every material at once.
How to measure for topsoil
- Measure the length and width of your area in feet.
- Multiply them for square feet (or just enter length and width above).
- Choose a depth — we default to 4 inches for topsoil.
- Read your total in cubic yards, or the number of bags.
How Much Topsoil Do I Need? coverage at a glance (4" deep)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic yards | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1.4 | 49 |
| 200 | 2.7 | 98 |
| 300 | 4.1 | 147 |
| 500 | 6.8 | 245 |
| 1,000 | 13.6 | 489 |
Includes a 10% overage allowance. Estimates are low-fi — confirm with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should topsoil be?
For a new lawn, 4–6 inches; for topdressing an existing lawn, 1/4–1/2 inch; for garden beds, 8–12 inches of quality soil supports most plantings.
How much does topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard, though wet or clay-heavy soil weighs more — worth knowing before a bulk delivery.