Raised Bed Soil Calculator
Calculate the exact volume of soil needed to fill any size raised garden bed. Get cubic feet, cubic yards, and bag counts instantly.
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🌍 Topsoil Calculator
Calculate cubic yards, weight, and bag counts for any lawn or garden topsoil project. Includes cost estimates.
📐 Enter Your Dimensions
in
💡 Topdress lawn: ½" · New lawn: 4–6" · Garden: 4–6"
$/yd³
📊 Your Results
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Cubic Yards
Cubic Feet—
Weight (tons)—
Weight (lbs)—
40 lb Bags—
Estimated Cost
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Topsoil: $25–$55/yd³ bulk. Bags: $5–$9 each.
How to Calculate Topsoil for Your Project
Topsoil is the fertile upper layer of soil that provides plants with the nutrients and drainage they need. Whether you're establishing a new lawn, filling low spots, or preparing a garden, our calculator gives you the exact amount in cubic yards, weight, and bags.
The Topsoil Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
Topsoil weighs approximately 2,160 lbs (1.08 tons) per cubic yard when dry.
Recommended Depths by Application
- Lawn topdressing: ¼–½ inch
- New lawn from seed: 4–6 inches
- New lawn from sod: 4–6 inches (use our Sod Calculator too)
- Vegetable garden bed prep: 4–6 inches mixed into existing
- Grade repair / low spots: 2–6 inches as needed
🚚 Bulk vs. Bags
40 lb bags contain about 0.5 cu ft each (54 bags = 1 cubic yard). For any project over 1–2 yards, bulk delivery from a landscaping supplier at $25–$55/yd³ is far more economical.
✅ Order 10% Extra
Topsoil settles and compacts after watering. Always order 10% more than your calculated amount to account for settling, especially in a new lawn or garden bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a new lawn, apply 4–6 inches of quality topsoil over the entire area. Use this calculator with your lawn dimensions and 4–6 inch depth to get your cubic yards. Don't forget to add 10% for settling.
Dry screened topsoil weighs approximately 2,160 lbs (1.08 tons) per cubic yard. Moist topsoil can weigh up to 2,700 lbs per yard. Confirm with your supplier if weight matters for your delivery surface.
Topsoil is natural soil from the earth's surface — great for general landscaping and lawn work. Garden soil is specially blended with compost and amendments for in-ground planting. Use topsoil for large coverage areas and garden soil only for planting beds where cost is justified.
A 40 lb bag covers about 0.5 cubic feet, so you need approximately 54 bags per cubic yard. At retail prices, bags cost 2–3× more than bulk delivery per cubic yard.