Topsoil Calculator

Frequently asked questions

How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?

Dry screened topsoil weighs about 2,000 to 2,200 pounds per cubic yard — roughly a ton. Wet topsoil can reach 2,700 pounds or more, so a delivery after rain is heavier than one on a dry day. Fill dirt with clay and stone is heavier still.

How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?

Four to six inches of good topsoil over loosened subsoil gives grass roots room to establish. For overseeding or levelling an existing lawn, a quarter to half an inch is enough — any more smothers the grass that is already there.

How many bags of topsoil make a yard?

A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet or 27 bags of 1 cubic foot. At $3 to $6 a bag, that is $110 to $200 per yard — two to four times the bulk price.

How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?

Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 4 by 8 foot bed 12 inches deep needs 32 cubic feet, or 1.19 cubic yards. Add 20% because soil in a raised bed settles noticeably in the first season.

What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?

Topsoil is the organic-rich upper layer, screened to remove rocks and roots, and it grows plants. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter; it is cheaper and compacts well, so it is used to raise grades and fill holes before topsoil goes on top.