Soil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need to fill your area. Enter dimensions and depth to get volume in cubic yards.
Length of the area to fill
Width of the area to fill
Desired depth of soil in inches
Enter local soil pricing (leave blank for quantity only)
How is topsoil sold?
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard (27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard). Bulk delivery is typically in cubic yards. Bagged topsoil comes in 1-2 cubic foot bags (40-60 bags = 1 cubic yard). Shop around: bulk delivery often $20-50/cubic yard, bagged $3-8/bag. Quality varies - look for screened topsoil without rocks or debris. Some suppliers offer "triplemix" or enriched topsoil at higher prices.
How deep should topsoil be for different uses?
Lawns: 4-6 inches for new grass. Gardens: 6-12 inches (deeper is better for root vegetables). Raised beds: 6-12 inches minimum, fill with mix. Flower beds: 4-6 inches. Trees and shrubs: 12-24 inches in planting hole. Compacted or clay soil needs deeper (8-12 inches) for drainage. Always remove existing grass/weed first. More depth is always better - roots follow resources.
How do I calculate how much I need?
Formula: (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards. Example: 50' × 30' × 4" = 50×30×4 ÷ 324 = 18.5 cubic yards. Always round UP. Add 10-15% extra for: settling after rain, uneven ground, waste at edges. For rectangular areas this calculation is accurate. Irregular shapes: break into rectangles or use online calculators. Measure twice, order once.
Should I buy screened or unscreened topsoil?
Screened topsoil ($40-60/yd) has removed stones over 1" and debris - smoother, easier to work. Unscreened ($20-35/yd) may contain rocks, roots, debris - cheaper but more work. For lawns and gardens, screened is worth the extra cost. For large-fill projects where you'll amend anyway, unscreened works. Ask to see or get a sample first. Quality matters more than screening - should smell earthy, not sour.