Topsoil Calculator

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topsoil calculator
Rectangular AreaCircular Area
Results:
Total Cubic Feet: ft³
Total Cubic Yards: yd³
Estimated Total Cost:
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How to Use the Topsoil Calculator

Whether you are starting a new lawn, building a raised garden bed, or leveling out patches in your yard, using a topsoil calculator ensures you purchase the correct amount of material. Overestimating leads to wasted money and a pile of dirt you don't need, while underestimating results in multiple delivery fees.

To get the most accurate results, follow these steps:

Shape Selection
Choose between a rectangular area (standard garden beds, lawns) or a circular area (around trees or fire pits).
Dimensions (Feet)
Measure the length, width, or diameter of your space in feet.
Depth (Inches)
Specify how deep you want the topsoil to be. Standard lawn leveling usually requires 1-2 inches, while new flower beds often need 6-12 inches.
Price (Optional)
Enter the price per cubic yard provided by your local nursery to calculate the total project cost.

How the Calculation Works

Topsoil is typically sold by the cubic yard. Since most people measure their yards in feet and depth in inches, the topsoil calculator performs several unit conversions behind the scenes. The fundamental formula is:

Volume (Cubic Yards) = [(Area in Sq Ft) × (Depth in Inches / 12)] / 27

  • Area: Length × Width for rectangles, or π × r² for circles.
  • Depth Conversion: We divide the depth by 12 to convert inches into feet.
  • Yards Conversion: We divide the total cubic feet by 27 because there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3ft × 3ft × 3ft).
  • Settlement Factor: Soil is fluffy when first delivered. After watering and tamping, it settles. Adding 15% to your order is a standard industry practice.

Topsoil Calculation Example

Scenario: You are building a raised vegetable garden that is 12 feet long, 4 feet wide, and you want the soil to be 8 inches deep.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Calculate Square Footage: 12 ft × 4 ft = 48 sq ft.
  2. Convert Depth: 8 inches / 12 = 0.667 feet.
  3. Calculate Cubic Feet: 48 sq ft × 0.667 ft = 32.016 cubic feet.
  4. Convert to Cubic Yards: 32.016 / 27 = 1.186 cubic yards.
  5. Add 15% for Settlement: 1.186 × 1.15 = 1.36 cubic yards.
  6. Final Result: You should order approximately 1.5 cubic yards of topsoil.

Common Questions

How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?

On average, one cubic yard of dry topsoil weighs between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds (about 1 ton). If the soil is wet, the weight can increase significantly, reaching up to 3,000 pounds. This is important to know for delivery truck access and weight limits on driveways.

What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?

Topsoil is the upper layer of the earth, usually screened to remove large rocks and debris. It is a base material. Garden soil is topsoil that has been enriched with compost, peat moss, or fertilizers to create a better environment for specific plant growth. Using our topsoil calculator works for both types as they are measured by volume.

Can I buy topsoil in bags instead of bulk?

Yes. Standard bags at hardware stores are usually 0.75 or 1 cubic foot. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a yard, you would need 27 bags of 1 cubic foot each to equal one yard. For larger projects, bulk delivery is almost always significantly cheaper.

How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?

For a brand new lawn, a depth of 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil is recommended to provide a healthy root environment. For overseeding or minor leveling, 1 to 2 inches is usually sufficient. Use the topsoil calculator to toggle these depths and see how the volume requirement changes.

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