Topsoil Calculator
To fill a 10 × 10 ft bed at the standard 4-inch depth you need about 1.23 cubic yards of topsoil plus 10% waste — roughly 49 bags of 40 lb topsoil.
Reviewed by The ponderloop teamUpdated 2026-07-15How we calculate
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0 cu yd + 0% waste = 0 cu yd
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How this number is calculated
0 cu yd (no waste added) ÷ 0.0278 cu yd per bag = 0 bags
Shopping list
- Topsoil (40 lb bag)
- Garden spade shovel
- Contractor wheelbarrow
- Bow rake
- Soil pH and moisture meter
- Raised garden bed kit
0.0 cu yd — ~0% of a standard truck load
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Methodology & assumptions
Volume is calculated as area length × width × (depth in inches ÷ 12), then divided by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. A waste percentage is added for settling and uneven grading, and the result is divided by the coverage per bag (0.0278 cu yd for a 40 lb bag) and rounded up to the next whole bag. For larger volumes, compare the bag total against bulk delivery by the yard — see the FAQ.
- Cooperative Extension System soil-depth guidelines for new lawns and raised beds
- Manufacturer bag-yield specs (40 lb bag ≈ 0.75 cu ft)
- Typical topsoil bulk density (~2,000-2,700 lb per cubic yard) and US bagged/bulk price ranges, 2026
Worked examples
| Room | Result |
|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft new bed, 4 in thick (default), standard waste | 1.23 cu yd + 10% waste ≈ 1.36 cu yd → 49 bags |
| 20 × 30 ft lawn topdressing, 2 in thick, standard waste | 3.70 cu yd + 10% waste ≈ 4.07 cu yd → 147 bags |
| 8 × 4 ft raised bed, 12 in thick, standard waste | 1.19 cu yd + 10% waste ≈ 1.30 cu yd → 47 bags |
| 15 × 20 ft yard regrade, 3 in thick, minimal waste | 2.78 cu yd + 5% waste ≈ 2.92 cu yd → 105 bags |
Frequently asked questions
- How much topsoil do I need?
- Multiply the area length by width in feet, multiply by the depth in feet (inches divided by 12), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Add 5-10% for waste, then divide by the coverage per bag (0.0278 cu yd for a 40 lb bag) and round up.
- What's the difference between topsoil, garden soil, and compost?
- Topsoil is natural excavated soil used mainly as fill and for leveling or regrading — it varies in quality and is not heavily amended. Garden soil is topsoil blended with compost and other amendments so it is ready to plant into, typically used in flower and vegetable beds. Compost is fully decomposed organic matter used to enrich existing soil, not as a standalone fill material.
- How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn vs a raised bed?
- A new lawn typically needs 2 to 4 inches of topsoil to level the grade and give grass seed or sod a rooting layer. A raised bed needs much more — 10 to 12 inches — since vegetables and most garden plants need deep, loose soil for their root systems. This calculator defaults to 4 inches; adjust the depth field for your specific project.
- How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
- About 2,000 to 2,700 lb per cubic yard, depending on moisture content and how much sand, clay, or organic matter it contains. This matters most for delivery — a pickup truck bed typically maxes out around 1-1.5 cubic yards of topsoil before exceeding its payload rating, so confirm your vehicle or trailer capacity before ordering bulk.
- Should I buy topsoil in bags or bulk by the yard?
- Bagged topsoil is more convenient for small projects under about 1 cubic yard — no minimum order, easy to carry, no truck required. For anything larger, bulk delivery by the cubic yard is almost always cheaper per yard and saves the effort of hauling dozens of bags, though most suppliers have a delivery minimum.