Topsoil Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of topsoil or fill dirt needed for landscaping and grading
Enter Dimensions
Enter your dimensions above to see results
Tips & Notes
- •New lawns need at least 4"–6" of topsoil for healthy grass growth.
- •Garden beds benefit from 8"–12" of amended topsoil.
- •Topsoil settles 15–20% after watering — order a little extra.
- •Fill dirt is cheaper than topsoil but contains no organic matter — use it for grading only.
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Materials & Supplies
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Pro tips for topsoil
- ›New lawns need at least 4"–6" of topsoil for healthy grass growth.
- ›Garden beds benefit from 8"–12" of amended topsoil.
- ›Topsoil settles 15–20% after watering — order a little extra.
- ›Fill dirt is cheaper than topsoil but contains no organic matter — use it for grading only.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a 1000 sq ft lawn?▾
For 4" of topsoil over 1000 sq ft you need 12.3 cubic yards. For 6" depth (recommended for new lawns), you need 18.5 yards. Topsoil settles 15–20% after watering, so order 10% extra.
Topsoil vs. fill dirt — what's the difference?▾
Topsoil contains organic matter (5–10% by weight) and is screened — used for growing plants and grass. Fill dirt has no organics and is used only for grading and filling holes. Fill dirt is much cheaper ($5–$15/yard) but plants won't grow in it.
How deep should topsoil be?▾
New lawns: 4"–6" minimum. Sod installation: 4". Garden beds: 8"–12" of amended topsoil. Tree planting: 18"–24" deep around the root ball. Always remove rocks and weeds from the existing grade before adding topsoil.
How heavy is topsoil?▾
Dry topsoil weighs about 75 lbs/cu ft (~2,000 lbs/cu yd). Wet topsoil can weigh 100 lbs/cu ft (~2,700 lbs/cu yd). A half-ton pickup safely hauls about 1/2 cubic yard of topsoil — anything more needs a heavier truck or delivery.
How much does topsoil cost in 2026?▾
Bulk topsoil runs $20–$60/cubic yard delivered (varies sharply by region and quality). Screened triple-mix and garden blend cost $40–$80/yard. Bagged topsoil at retail runs $3–$5 per 40 lb bag — only economical for very small projects.