Soil Calculator

Calculate exactly how much topsoil you need for your project. Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to get volume in cubic yards and estimated cost.

Length of area needing soil

Width of area needing soil

Desired depth of topsoil

Optional: Cost of topsoil per cubic yard

Area = Length × Width; Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × Depth (in feet); Volume (cubic yards) = Cubic Feet ÷ 27; Order 10% extra for settling; Cost = Volume (cu yd) × Price per cubic yard
Example: 30ft × 20ft garden at 6" deep; Area = 600 sq ft; Volume = 600 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 11.11 cubic yards; With 10% extra = 12.22 cubic yards; At $40/cu yd: Total cost ≈ $489

How much topsoil do I need for my garden?

Calculate volume using: Volume (cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27. Common depths: Lawn topdressing: 1/4-1/2 inch, Garden beds: 4-6 inches, New lawn installation: 4-6 inches, Raised beds: 8-12 inches. Example: 20ft × 30ft garden at 6 inches deep = 20 × 30 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 11.1 cubic yards. Always order 10-15% extra for settling and compaction. Topsoil settles 10-20% after spreading and watering.

What is the difference between topsoil, garden soil, and compost?

Topsoil: Native soil from the top layer, screened to remove debris. Used for leveling, filling, or base layer. Quality varies by source. Garden soil: Topsoil amended with organic matter (compost, peat, bark). Better for garden beds and raised beds. More expensive but richer in nutrients. Compost: Decomposed organic matter (leaves, manure, food waste). Not used alone - mixed into soil to improve structure, drainage, and fertility. Ideal mix: 60% topsoil + 40% compost for garden beds. For lawns: 75% topsoil + 25% compost.

How much does topsoil cost?

Topsoil pricing varies by quality and delivery method: Bulk (by cubic yard): $15-$50 per cubic yard (unscreened), $30-$80 per cubic yard (screened/premium), Bagged (at garden centers): $2-$6 per cubic foot (0.75-2 cubic yards equivalent), Delivery fees: $50-$150 depending on distance, Minimum order: often 5-10 cubic yards. Premium blends with compost cost $40-$100/cubic yard. Compare prices: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet ≈ 2,000 lbs (1 ton). Order bulk for large projects (saves 30-50%), bags for small projects.

How deep should topsoil be for grass, vegetables, and flowers?

Recommended topsoil depths: Lawn (new installation): 4-6 inches minimum, 6-8 inches ideal. Existing lawn topdressing: 1/4-1/2 inch annually. Vegetable gardens: 6-12 inches, root crops need 12+ inches. Flower beds: 6-8 inches for annuals, 8-12 inches for perennials. Trees and shrubs: Do NOT add topsoil to planting hole - use native soil to encourage root establishment. Raised beds: Fill with 60% topsoil + 40% compost mix. Poor native soil? Remove 4-6 inches and replace with quality topsoil mix for best results.