Topsoil Calculator – How Much Topsoil Do I Need? | CalcLoft
Find out exactly how much topsoil you need in bags or bulk yards.
How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply length × width × depth. For a 20 × 10 ft area at 3 inches: 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cu ft = about 1.85 cubic yards — or 50 standard 1 cu ft bags. Bulk delivery is cheaper for anything over a yard.
Topsoil depth guide
| Use | Depth |
|---|---|
| Leveling / thin cover | 2-3 inches |
| New lawn | 4-6 inches |
| Vegetable garden beds | 6-12 inches |
| Raised beds | 12+ inches |
Bags vs. bulk
Bags are convenient but expensive per yard. Bulk topsoil runs $15-40 per yard delivered — often half the cost of bags. For small patches, bags win.
Topsoil calculator FAQ
How many bags of topsoil in a cubic yard?
27 bags of 1 cu ft topsoil per cubic yard.
How much topsoil for a 1000 sq ft lawn?
At 3 inches: 250 cu ft ≈ 9.3 cubic yards — order bulk, not bags.
Is topsoil the same as garden soil?
Not exactly — garden soil has added compost. For beds, a 50/50 topsoil-compost mix works well.
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