How this calculator works. Volume = area × depth, converted to cubic feet (÷12) and cubic yards (÷27). Bag count uses 0.75 cu ft per standard 40-lb bag — the most common US retail size; adjust in advanced settings for 1 or 2 cu ft bags.
Note that delivered bulk topsoil settles roughly 10–15% after watering and foot traffic — for critical final grades (against patios, walkways), order slightly over and rake down.
How much topsoil do I need?
The same volume math as mulch, but the stakes differ: topsoil is heavy — a cubic yard weighs 1,800–2,200 lbs, twice what mulch does. That makes the bags-vs-bulk crossover come sooner: hauling 36 forty-pound bags (one yard) from a garden center is a real workout, so bulk delivery starts winning above about half a yard.
Quality varies wildly because "topsoil" isn't a regulated term — it can mean screened loam or whatever came out of a construction site. For beds and lawns, ask for screened topsoil, and for planting beds consider a topsoil/compost blend (often called garden mix), which costs a little more and grows a lot more.
Coverage per cubic yard
| Depth | 1 cu yd covers | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | ≈160 sq ft | Lawn top-dressing |
| 4 inches | ≈80 sq ft | New beds, pre-sod |
| 6 inches | ≈54 sq ft | New lawn from scratch |
Buying tips
For leveling low spots in a lawn, top-dress in ½-inch layers over several weeks rather than burying grass in one 3-inch pour — grass grows through thin layers and dies under thick ones. And have bulk loads dropped on a tarp: cleanup goes from an afternoon to ten minutes.
Common questions
Topsoil, garden soil, or compost?
Topsoil is the base fill; garden soil is topsoil blended with organic matter for planting; compost is pure organic amendment, mixed into either. Filling holes: topsoil. Planting beds: garden mix or topsoil + 25% compost.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
1,800–2,200 lbs dry, and noticeably more after rain. A half-ton pickup handles about half a yard. Two yards need a dump trailer or delivery.
Can I put topsoil over grass to level a lawn?
Only in thin lifts — ½ inch at a time, letting grass grow through between applications. Anything over an inch smothers the lawn and you'll be reseeding bare patches.
Do I need to till new topsoil in?
For beds, mixing the top few inches with existing soil avoids a sharp layer boundary that roots and water dislike crossing. For lawns, a light rake and roll is enough.