Topsoil Calculator
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard for bulk delivery (cheapest for large projects) and by 40 lb bags for small areas. Enter the area and desired fill depth to get cubic yards, number of bags, and cost comparison between bulk and bagged. New lawns need 4–6 inches; raised beds benefit from 8–12 inches.
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Top PickMiracle-Gro Garden Soil 1.5 cu ft — Home Depot~$8.98/bag* Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for a 10×10 raised bed?
A 10×10 ft raised bed at 12 inches deep needs 100 cu ft, or 3.7 cubic yards. For a 6-inch-deep bed, you need 50 cu ft, or 1.85 cubic yards. Consider a mix of 60% topsoil, 30% compost, and 10% coarse perlite for optimal drainage.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
A cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 2,000–2,700 lbs (1–1.35 tons) when moist. Dry topsoil is lighter at about 1,600–2,000 lbs per cubic yard. A standard pickup truck can carry 1–1.5 cubic yards safely.