Topsoil Calculator
Calculate cubic yards from your project area and soil depth. Weight stays optional because topsoil density changes with composition and moisture.
Continue your project estimate
Estimate sod for this area →How the topsoil calculation works
Measure the area in square feet, convert the soil depth from inches to feet, multiply to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
cubic yards = area (ft²) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
The optional extra-material percentage is applied after the base volume is calculated.
Example
A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 3 in deep needs about 1.85 yd³ before extra material. With 5% extra, the purchase estimate is about 1.94 yd³.
Why weight is optional
Topsoil can vary substantially by composition and moisture. The calculator therefore treats cubic yards as the primary answer. If your supplier gives you a density, use that value for the best weight estimate.
Before ordering topsoil
Use cubic yards as the primary order estimate unless your supplier specifically sells by weight. If weight is needed, replace the reference density with the supplier's density whenever possible. Composition, moisture and handling can change the relationship between a cubic yard and a delivered ton.
Topsoil cubic yards by area and depth
This reference uses the same tested volume calculation as the tool above and shows 0% extra material. It is a quick geometric check, not a recommendation for how deep a specific lawn or garden project should be.
| Area | 1 in deep | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.31 yd³ | 0.62 yd³ | 0.93 yd³ | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ |
| 250 sq ft | 0.77 yd³ | 1.54 yd³ | 2.31 yd³ | 3.09 yd³ | 4.63 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft | 1.54 yd³ | 3.09 yd³ | 4.63 yd³ | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ | 12.35 yd³ | 18.52 yd³ |
Example: 500 sq ft at 3 in deep is about 4.63 yd³ before any extra material.
Related calculators
Topsoil volume and weight are different planning questions
The most reliable result is the geometric volume from area and depth. Weight varies with soil composition, moisture and compaction, so any tons estimate depends on a density assumption rather than an exact conversion.
Use cubic yards when the supplier sells by volume. If a supplier quotes by weight, use a density value that applies to the material or ask for the supplier's conversion. Keep settling, grading and site-preparation allowances separate from the measured volume so the estimate remains auditable.
Example: two soil zones with different layer depths
Imagine a planting bed with two separate rectangles. One 12 × 10 ft section requires 4 inches of additional soil, so its planned volume is 120 × (4 ÷ 12) = 40 cubic feet. A second 8 × 10 ft section requires only 2 inches, adding 80 × (2 ÷ 12) ≈ 13.33 cubic feet. Combined, these zones need 53.33 cubic feet ÷ 27 ≈ 1.98 cubic yards before any selected allowance.
An average depth applied to the entire footprint can hide meaningful grading differences. Measure distinct zones and add the calculated volumes, then confirm how the supplier sells and rounds orders. This is quantity planning, not a soil composition, drainage or planting-depth recommendation.