Topsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need for your lawn, garden, or raised beds. Get results in cubic yards, cubic feet, and bags.
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Enter Your Measurements
4-6 inches for new lawns
ft
ft
Quick:
in
Filtered, no debris, best for lawns
Enable cost estimate
Results
2.47
cubic yards
Area:200 sq ft
Volume (cu ft):66.67 cu ft
Volume (cu yd):2.47 cu yd
Weight:4,938 lbs (2.47 tons)
40 lb Bags:~89 bags
1 cu ft Bags:~67 bags
Calculation Steps
Area: 20 × 10 ft= 200 sq ft
Depth: 4 in= 0.33 ft
Volume: 200 × 0.33= 66.67 cu ft
Cubic Yards: 66.67 ÷ 27= 2.47 cu yd
Privacy First - All calculations in your browser Expert-verified formula
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your project type — Choose lawn, garden, raised bed, or fill. This sets the recommended depth automatically.
- Choose the area shape — Rectangle for most yards, circle for round beds, triangle for corner areas.
- Enter your measurements — Measure length and width (or diameter) with a tape measure. For irregular shapes, break them into sections.
- Adjust depth if needed — 4" for lawns, 6" for gardens, 10-12" for raised beds. Deeper is better for root growth.
- Review results — See cubic yards for bulk delivery, or bag counts for smaller projects. Enable cost estimate for budgeting.
How We Calculate
Volume (cu yd) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Example Calculation:
- • Area: 20 ft × 10 ft = 200 sq ft
- • Depth: 4 inches = 0.33 ft
- • Volume: 200 × 0.33 = 66.67 cu ft
- • Cubic yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cu yd
- • Weight: 2.47 × 2,000 = ~4,940 lbs
Coverage Reference (1 cubic yard covers):
- • At 1" deep: 324 sq ft
- • At 2" deep: 162 sq ft
- • At 3" deep: 108 sq ft
- • At 4" deep: 81 sq ft
- • At 6" deep: 54 sq ft
Soil volume calculations per USDA NRCS guidelines. Learn more →