Topsoil Calculator
Topsoil is the top 4–12 inches of natural soil — the biologically active layer where plant roots grow. It's sold by the cubic yard for bulk delivery and by 40lb bags for small projects. Enter bed area and desired fill depth to get cubic yards, bag counts (40lb and 50lb), and a side-by-side cost comparison between bulk and bagged. New lawns need 4–6 inches of quality topsoil to establish roots; vegetable gardens benefit from 6–8 inches; raised beds should be 8–12 inches deep for most crops. A cubic yard of moist topsoil weighs approximately 2,000–2,700 lbs — a standard pickup truck bed holds safely 1–1.5 cubic yards. For raised beds, a 60/30/10 blend of topsoil, compost, and perlite provides the best drainage and fertility.
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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.
How many inches of topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
Grass roots need a minimum of 4 inches of quality topsoil to establish — 6 inches is better for drought tolerance. If your existing soil is heavy clay or compacted, till 4–6 inches deep before adding topsoil to prevent drainage problems. A thin layer of topsoil over poor subsoil will produce a weak lawn.
What is the difference between topsoil, garden soil, and potting mix?
Topsoil is natural soil with minimal amendment — it's for filling beds and establishing lawns. Garden soil is topsoil blended with compost for in-ground planting beds. Potting mix is lightweight, peat or coir-based, and designed for containers — it drains too quickly for in-ground use and is much more expensive per cubic foot than topsoil.