Top Soil Calculator

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Measurement System Imperial (Feet/Inches) Metric (Meters/CM)

Length

Width

Depth

Price per Cubic Yard/Meter ($)

Total Volume Required:

Estimated Bags (40lb/25L):

Estimated Total Cost:

How to Use the Top Soil Calculator

Calculating the exact amount of topsoil needed for your garden, lawn, or landscaping project is crucial for both budget management and plant health. This top soil calculator helps you determine the volume of soil required based on the dimensions of your area.

Real-World Example:
If you have a raised garden bed that is 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, and you want a soil depth of 6 inches:
1. Convert depth to feet: 6 inches / 12 = 0.5 feet.
2. Multiply: 10ft x 4ft x 0.5ft = 20 Cubic Feet.
3. Convert to Cubic Yards: 20 / 27 ≈ 0.74 Cubic Yards.

Why Soil Calculation Matters

Ordering too little soil means expensive second delivery fees, while ordering too much leads to waste and disposal issues. Most bulk suppliers sell topsoil by the cubic yard, while garden centers sell it in bags (usually 0.75 to 1 cubic foot). Our tool provides both metrics so you can shop effectively.

Topsoil Depth Recommendations

New Lawns: 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil is recommended for healthy root growth.
Flower Beds: 6 to 12 inches is ideal for most perennial flowers.
Vegetable Gardens: 12 to 18 inches provides the best environment for root vegetables and heavy feeders.
Top Dressing: 0.25 to 0.5 inches is sufficient for rejuvenating an existing lawn.

Calculating Costs

Topsoil prices vary significantly based on quality (screened vs. unscreened) and delivery distance. By entering the price per cubic yard or meter in the calculator, you can instantly see the projected financial investment for your project. Remember to account for "compaction"—soil often settles by about 10-15% after watering, so it is often wise to order a tiny bit extra.