MyYardCalc
Landscaping · Material planning

Topsoil Calculator

Calculate how much topsoil you need in cubic yards, cubic meters or bags. Add actual supplier prices and density for cost and weight estimates.

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Your project

US & metric

Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
sq ft

Add other measured sections without counting overlaps twice.

sq ft
in
%

An editable purchasing margin, not a measured compaction rate.

cu ft

Use the labeled volume of the product you plan to buy.

lb / cu yd

Optional. Enter the density of this product to estimate weight.

$
$ / cu yd
$

Enter 0 if included. Bulk cost remains blank until delivery is specified.

Enter your measurements

—

The calculation

Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

  • Enter your supplier’s bulk density to show weight. Volume alone cannot determine tons.
  • 10% extra is included once. Confirm supplier minimums and delivery increments.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this topsoil calculator

    Decide whether you need a growing layer, a topdressing or a bed fill. The starting depth is an example and does not select a suitable planting depth.

    Ask about screened material, soil composition and the supplier’s settling guidance. The extra allowance is separate from the geometric volume.

    Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 1.304 cu yd. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Length / circle diameter: 12 ft
    • Width: 8 ft
    • Material depth: 4 in
    • Extra allowance: 10 %
    • Volume per bag: 2 cu ft

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Topsoil planning questions

    How do I calculate topsoil in cubic yards?

    Multiply the area in square feet by the required additional depth in inches, then divide by 324. For example, 200 sq ft at 3 inches is 1.852 cubic yards before allowance. Enter the depth to add, not the full depth of soil already present.

    Is top soil different from topsoil in this calculator?

    Both spellings refer to the same tool. The result measures a volume; it does not select soil composition or a planting depth. For structural filling or raising ground, check the suitability of fill dirt separately, and ask your supplier about settling and delivered quantities.

    Topsoil volume for 100 square feet
    Example layer depthCubic feetCubic yards
    2 inches16.6670.617
    3 inches250.926
    4 inches33.3331.235
    6 inches501.852
    12 inches1003.704

    Geometric volumes before allowance, rounded for display. These depths illustrate the formula; they are not installation recommendations. Stone size and installed layer depth are different measurements.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.

    Keep your project moving.

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