Topsoil Calculator

Work out how much topsoil you need for a project — enter the area and depth, and get the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus the approximate tonnage.

Topsoil Calculator

Estimates only — material density varies with type, moisture and compaction. Order a little extra and confirm with your supplier. 🔒 Calculated in your browser.

🔒 Nothing you enter is sent anywhere or stored. All processing happens in your browser.

Features

Estimates in the units you buy

Enter the area and depth and get the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus the approximate weight in tons — the quantities suppliers actually sell by, so you can order with confidence.

Rectangle or circle

Works for straight rectangular areas and for round patios, fire-pit surrounds or planters — switch shape and enter the diameter.

Built-in waste allowance

A 10% extra is added by default for waste, compaction and uneven ground, so you're less likely to run short mid-job. Turn it off for an exact volume.

For beds, lawns and leveling

Whether you're topping up a lawn, filling raised beds or leveling a yard, enter the area and the depth you want to add.

How it works — in four simple steps

No signup, nothing to install — it all runs in your browser.

Step 01

Measure your area

Measure the length and width in feet (or the diameter for a round area) and enter them.

Step 02

Set the depth

Enter how deep you want the topsoil in inches — a typical range is suggested for you.

Step 03

Calculate

Read the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus the tonnage.

Step 04

Order with a little spare

Keep the 10% waste allowance on, or add your own margin, so you don't run short.

How it works

Estimating topsoil comes down to one idea: volume = area × depth. Measure the area you're covering (length × width, or π × radius² for a circle), multiply by how deep you want the topsoil, and you have the volume. This calculator does that and converts the result into the units suppliers sell by — cubic yards, cubic feet and an approximate weight in tons.

Depth is entered in inches because most topsoil layers are only a few inches deep, while the area is in feet — the tool handles the unit conversion for you. A 10% waste allowance is added by default, since real ground is uneven and material compacts. Everything is calculated in your browser.

Examples

A 30 ft × 20 ft garden bed at 4 inches of topsoil needs about 7.4 cubic yards (~8 tons).

Frequently asked questions

How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the area by the depth you want to add and convert to cubic yards. A 600 sq ft bed at 4 inches deep needs about 7.4 cubic yards. The tool also estimates the weight.
How many tons is a yard of topsoil?
About 1.1 tons when screened and fairly dry (roughly 2,200 lb), but wet or unscreened soil can weigh 1.3 tons or more per cubic yard.
How deep should topsoil be?
For new lawns 3–4 inches is common; raised beds are often 6–12 inches. Set the depth to match your project.
Is bagged or bulk topsoil better?
Bulk (by the cubic yard) is usually cheaper for anything more than a cubic yard. This tool gives the bulk volume; for bagged soil, divide the cubic feet by the bag size.