How much topsoil do I need for a garden bed?

For a 200 sq ft garden bed at 6 inches deep: 200 x 0.5 / 27 = 3.7 cubic yards. With 10% settling: 4.1 cubic yards. This is a small dump truck load.

How much does topsoil cost in 2026?

Screened topsoil: $20-$50 per cubic yard delivered. Premium garden blend (with compost): $35-$65 per cubic yard. Fill dirt: $10-$25 per cubic yard. Most suppliers have a 3-5 cubic yard minimum delivery.

How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?

For seeded lawns: 4-6 inches of quality topsoil over prepared subgrade. For sod: 3-4 inches is sufficient because sod comes with its own root zone. Always incorporate 1-2 inches of organic compost into the topsoil before seeding or laying sod.

What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?

Topsoil is the upper 6-12 inches of soil containing organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms - it supports plant growth. Fill dirt is the subsoil beneath, consisting of sand, clay, and rock with little organic content - used for grading and backfill, not planting.

Topsoil Calculator

Calculate cubic yards of topsoil for gardens and lawn establishment.

100% Free2026 UpdatedNo Signup

Topsoil Calculator

Length(ft)

Width(ft)

Depth

Unit

Not all topsoil is created equal — request screened topsoil free of rocks, roots, and debris. For raised garden beds, a 50/50 blend of topsoil and compost provides better drainage and nutrients than topsoil alone. Order delivery for anything over 1 cubic yard — bagged topsoil is significantly more expensive.

What This Calculator Does

The Topsoil Calculator determines cubic yards and tons of topsoil needed for garden beds, lawns, raised beds, and landscaping projects. Enter the area and depth to get the soil volume, weight, and the +10% waste amount for settling and grading adjustments.

Topsoil is the foundation of every garden and lawn. It is sold by the cubic yard from landscape supply yards, typically priced at $20-$50 per cubic yard delivered. A standard garden bed requires 6-12 inches of quality topsoil; lawn topdressing uses 1-2 inches.

One cubic yard of topsoil covers approximately 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 54 square feet at 6 inches deep. The calculator provides both cubic yard and ton measurements - topsoil weighs approximately 1.1-1.3 tons per cubic yard depending on moisture content and composition.

How to Use

Measure the area to be covered in square feet (length x width for rectangles, or use the Area Calculator for irregular shapes).
Select the desired depth: 3 in for lawn topdressing, 6 in for garden beds, 12 in for raised beds.
Enter the area and depth into the calculator.
Click "Calculate" to get cubic yards and tons needed.
Order from a local landscape supply company - most deliver with a minimum 3-5 cubic yard load.

Worked Examples

Raised Garden Bed Fill

A 4 ft x 8 ft raised garden bed with 12-inch deep sides, filled with a 50/50 topsoil and compost blend.

→Bed area: 4 ft x 8 ft = 32 sq ft.
→Fill depth: 12 in / 12 = 1 ft (assumes settling allowance at top 2 inches).
→Cubic feet: 32 x 1 = 32 cu ft.
→Cubic yards: 32 / 27 = 1.19 cu yd.
→With 10% settling waste: 1.19 x 1.10 = 1.31 cu yd.
→Split 50/50: 0.66 cu yd topsoil + 0.66 cu yd compost.

Result: Approximately 1.3 cubic yards of 50/50 topsoil-compost blend needed for a single 4x8 ft raised bed.

Mix the topsoil and compost thoroughly before filling the bed. For multiple beds, calculate the total volume for all beds combined to meet delivery minimums — most suppliers require a 3-5 cubic yard minimum delivery, so coordinate with neighbors if needed.

Reference Table

Topsoil volume reference - garden beds and lawns 2026
Garden Area	Depth 3 in	Depth 6 in	Depth 12 in	Tons (6 in)
50 sq ft	0.46 cu yd	0.93 cu yd	1.85 cu yd	1.1 tons
100 sq ft	0.93 cu yd	1.85 cu yd	3.70 cu yd	2.2 tons
200 sq ft	1.85 cu yd	3.70 cu yd	7.41 cu yd	4.4 tons
500 sq ft	4.63 cu yd	9.26 cu yd	18.52 cu yd	11.1 tons
1,000 sq ft	9.26 cu yd	18.52 cu yd	37.04 cu yd	22.2 tons

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