Topsoil Calculator for a New Lawn
Starting a lawn from seed or sod? Enter your lawn area and we'll calculate the topsoil you need.
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.
Topsoil for a New Lawn 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 much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
Spread 4–6 inches of quality topsoil over compacted or poor subsoil. For a 1,000 sq ft lawn at 4 inches, that's about 12.3 cubic yards.
Do I need topsoil under sod?
Yes — sod roots into the soil beneath it. A few inches of good topsoil dramatically improves establishment versus laying sod on hardpan.