Topsoil Calculator

Why Getting Topsoil Quantities Right Matters

Underordering topsoil costs a second delivery fee; overordering leaves a multi-ton pile in the driveway that takes weekends to move. One cubic yard weighs approximately 1.1 tons (2,200 lbs) on average, so five yards is 11,000 lbs — not something to store in a garage corner. This calculator gives you cubic yards, tons, and cost together, priced however your supplier quotes.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your area and depth. Use Length × Width or total square footage, and set the depth for your project type.
2. Select the purpose. This flags unusual depth settings — 10 inches for lawn leveling is likely a data-entry error, and the calculator will warn you.
3. Match your supplier's pricing unit. Toggle between per-ton and per-cubic-yard pricing; the total cost and the equivalent price in the other unit are both shown, so you can compare quotes accurately.

How Many Tons of Topsoil Are in a Cubic Yard?

Topsoil density varies by moisture and composition, which changes how many tons a given cubic yard actually weighs. Use the closest match below if your supplier quotes by weight rather than volume.

How Much Does Topsoil Cost Per Ton?

Bulk topsoil typically costs $30–$55 per ton delivered, or roughly $35–$60 per cubic yard — prices below are typical US ranges, not a quote for your area. Bagged topsoil costs far more per unit due to packaging, so bulk almost always wins above about 2 cubic yards after delivery fees.

Topsoil Depth Guide by Project Type

Common Topsoil Mistakes

Ordering by volume when delivery is priced by weight. Some suppliers quote a cubic yard price but charge by the ton at delivery. Since density varies — sandy versus clay-heavy soil can differ by 600 lbs per yard — get clarity on which unit you're paying for, or use the calculator above to convert between the two.

Confusing topsoil with garden soil. Bags labeled "garden soil" are enriched blends meant for mixing into small beds, not spreading across a lawn — they also cost 3–5× more per cubic yard than plain topsoil and compact differently. See our guide on topsoil vs. garden soil for when each one actually makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need?

It depends on area and depth. For a 1,000 sq ft lawn leveling at 2 inches you need about 6.2 cubic yards. For a 200 sq ft garden bed at 6 inches, about 3.7 cubic yards. Multiply area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 and add 10% for waste and settling.

How many tons of topsoil are in a cubic yard?

About 1.1 tons on average, but topsoil density varies with moisture — dry topsoil runs closer to 0.9 tons per cubic yard, while wet or clay-heavy topsoil can reach 1.3 tons. Use 1.1 as a typical planning number, then confirm the exact figure with your supplier.

Is it cheaper to buy topsoil by the ton or by the yard?

Neither unit is inherently cheaper — a ton and a cubic yard of topsoil represent the same material at roughly the same total cost, since 1 cubic yard weighs about 1.1 tons. What matters is comparing quotes in the same unit; use the calculator above to convert a per-ton quote to its per-yard equivalent before comparing suppliers.

Is it cheaper to buy topsoil in bags or bulk?

Bulk is almost always cheaper above 2 cubic yards. Bags cost $4–$7 each and cover about 0.5 cubic feet — that's $8–$14 per cubic foot. Bulk landscape topsoil runs $35–$60 per cubic yard plus a delivery fee. Below 1 cubic yard, bags avoid the delivery minimum.

How much topsoil do I need under sod?

New sod needs 2–4 inches of quality topsoil underneath for root establishment, or 1–2 inches if you're topdressing reasonably healthy existing soil. Enter your lawn's square footage at that depth above, then use the sod calculator to figure out how many rolls or pallets of sod to order for the same area.

How deep should topsoil be for grass seed?

For seeding bare areas, 2–4 inches of topsoil gives seeds good contact and root depth. For a complete lawn installation, 4–6 inches is standard. Less than 2 inches and grass roots will hit compacted subsoil quickly, causing thin, stressed turf in summer heat.

How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?

A 4×8-foot raised bed at 12 inches deep needs about 1.2 cubic yards of fill. Straight topsoil works for the lower fill layer, but the top 6–8 inches where roots grow should be a blended mix of topsoil, compost, and peat — the raised garden bed soil calculator handles that ratio.