Topsoil Calculator
Estimate topsoil volume for beds, lawns and grading.
Project details
Enter your measurements below.
Order topsoil by finished depth, not by a guess at truck size
Topsoil is usually ordered by volume, while delivery limits may be discussed by weight. The useful starting point is the finished area and the depth of new soil you actually want after grading. This calculator converts that layer into cubic yards or cubic metres, applies the allowance you enter and then uses the density value as an approximate weight check. Density is not a fixed property of 'topsoil': moisture, organic matter, screening and compaction can change it substantially. Use the supplier's volume as the main ordering quantity and treat the weight result as a planning aid unless the supplier provides a product-specific density.
Cubic yards or cubic metres based on measured area and soil depth.
The density field should reflect the actual soil product if weight matters for delivery or handling.
A loose pile and a graded bed do not necessarily occupy the same volume after spreading and settlement.
How to use the Topsoil Calculator
- Measure each lawn, bed or grading section that will receive the same topsoil depth; add irregular areas as separate rectangles or other simple shapes.
- Enter the intended finished topsoil depth rather than the height of the delivered pile.
- Choose a modest allowance for settlement, grading variation and small measurement errors instead of automatically adding a large contingency.
- Use the supplier's density only when you need an approximate tonnage check, then round the volume to the supplier's delivery increment.
Volume is dependable geometry; soil weight is product-dependent
The area-and-depth calculation is straightforward. The uncertainty comes from how loose, wet, screened or organic the material is, so DIYGauge leaves density editable rather than pretending all topsoil weighs the same.
Use cubic volume to talk to the supplier
Plan the order in cubic yards or cubic metres first. Then ask the supplier whether loads are sold by volume, by weight or in fixed truck sizes, and whether the delivered product is expected to settle noticeably after placement.
Worked example: adding 3 inches of topsoil to a 20 × 15 ft area
- Area
- 20 ft × 15 ft = 300 sq ft
- Finished depth
- 3 in
- Allowance
- 5%
- Example density
- 2,000 lb/cu yd
Three inches is 0.25 ft, so the raw layer is 300 × 0.25 = 75 cu ft, or about 2.78 cu yd. Adding 5% gives roughly 2.92 cu yd. At an entered density of 2,000 lb per cubic yard, the weight estimate is about 2.92 tons. The 2.92 cu yd figure is the key order quantity; the tonnage changes if the actual soil density differs.
Practical planning tips
For a graded lawn, take several depth checks instead of assuming the entire area needs the deepest fill measured at one low spot.
Separate areas that need different depths. Averaging a 1-inch topdressing area with a 6-inch new bed can hide a meaningful volume difference.
Ask whether the supplier sells in half-yard, full-yard or fixed-load increments before deciding how to round the calculated volume.
If existing sod, mulch or poor soil will be removed first, base the new-soil depth on the finished grade you want after that removal.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using square footage alone without entering depth. Topsoil is a three-dimensional material order.
Treating a generic density as exact and then planning trailer or vehicle capacity around that number.
Using loose delivered depth as though it will remain unchanged after spreading, watering and settlement.
Adding the same soil depth to every part of a sloped or uneven site without checking actual grade differences.
Topsoil Calculator FAQs
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need?+
Measure the area, choose the finished depth and convert the resulting volume to cubic yards. DIYGauge performs that conversion and can add the allowance you select.
Why does the calculator ask for density?+
Density is used only for the approximate weight result. It can vary considerably with moisture and soil composition, so use a supplier-specific value when weight matters.
Should I add extra topsoil for settling?+
Often a modest allowance is sensible, but the amount depends on the product, placement method and final grade. Avoid using one universal settlement percentage for every project.
Can I calculate several garden beds together?+
Yes if they need the same depth. Calculate or add their areas first. If depths differ, estimate each group separately and combine the final volumes.