Topsoil Calculator
Topsoil Needed
2.47 cubic yards
2.7 tons • 89 bags (40 lb) • 200 sq ft
Cubic Yards
2.47
Tons
2.7
40 lb Bags
89
Estimated Cost
$37 – $99
Tip: Bulk delivery is cheapest for 2+ cubic yards. Delivery fee is typically $50–$100. Have the soil dumped as close to the work area as possible to minimize wheelbarrow trips.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Topsoil Cost Breakdown
| Soil Type | Density (lbs/cu yd) | Cost / Cu Yd | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unscreened Fill | 2,200 – 2,400 | $15 – $25 | Fill, rough grading |
| Screened Topsoil | 2,000 – 2,200 | $20 – $35 | Lawns, general landscaping |
| Organic Compost Blend | 1,800 – 2,000 | $30 – $45 | Garden beds, plantings |
| Premium Garden Mix | 1,600 – 1,800 | $35 – $50 | Raised beds, vegetables |
* Bulk delivery prices. Bagged topsoil costs 3–5× more per cubic yard equivalent.
Average Project Costs (Material + Delivery)
| Project | Area & Depth | Volume | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Topdressing | 2,000 sq ft × 0.5″ | 3.1 cu yd | $60 – $110 |
| New Lawn Prep | 1,500 sq ft × 4″ | 18.5 cu yd | $370 – $650 |
| Garden Bed | 200 sq ft × 6″ | 3.7 cu yd | $110 – $185 |
| Raised Bed (4 × 8 ft) | 32 sq ft × 12″ | 1.2 cu yd | $40 – $60 |
How We Calculate
Our topsoil calculator estimates volume and cost based on area dimensions, desired depth, and soil type. Results are provided in cubic yards, tons, and number of bags for flexible purchasing.
How the math works: Volume (cubic yards) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. Tons = cubic yards × 1.1 (topsoil weighs approximately 2,200 lbs per cubic yard or 1.1 tons). Bags (40 lb) = total weight ÷ 40. We add 10% to all estimates for settling and compaction.
Topsoil Type Comparison
Unscreened Fill Topsoil ($15–$25/cu yd) is basic topsoil direct from excavation sites. May contain small rocks, roots, and organic debris. Best for filling low spots, rough grading, and areas that will be covered. Not recommended for garden beds or lawns.
Screened Topsoil ($20–$35/cu yd) has been passed through a 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch screen to remove debris. Consistent texture and easy to spread. The standard choice for lawns, general landscaping, and flower beds. Available at most landscape supply yards.
Organic Compost Blend ($30–$45/cu yd) mixes screened topsoil with aged compost for added nutrients. Higher organic content supports plant growth without additional amendments. Ideal for garden beds, new plantings, and areas with poor existing soil.
Premium Garden Mix ($35–$50/cu yd) is a custom blend of topsoil, compost, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite. Optimized for drainage and root development in raised beds and vegetable gardens. The most expensive option but produces the best growing results.
Depth Guidelines by Application
Proper depth depends on the project type. Lawn topdressing needs just 1/4–1/2 inch. Overseeding and lawn repair: 1–2 inches. New lawn installation: 4–6 inches over compacted subgrade. Flower beds: 6–8 inches. Vegetable gardens: 8–12 inches for deep-rooted crops. Raised beds: fill to within 1–2 inches of the top edge.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover topsoil material and delivery. Not included: spreading labor ($30–$50/cu yd if hired), soil amendments (lime, fertilizer, peat), grading and leveling of existing soil ($1–$3/sq ft), sod or seed ($0.30–$0.80/sq ft for sod, $0.05–$0.20/sq ft for seed), and equipment rental (rototiller $50–$100/day). For large projects, renting a skid steer ($200–$350/day) saves significant labor time.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from landscape supply yards, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Soil density figures use USDA averages. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much topsoil do I need? +
Calculate topsoil volume as: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards needed. For example, a 20 × 30 ft garden bed at 4 inches deep: 20 × 30 × 4 ÷ 324 = 7.4 cubic yards. One cubic yard covers about 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep or 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep. Always order 10–15% extra for settling.
How much does topsoil cost? +
Bulk topsoil costs $15–$50 per cubic yard depending on quality. Unscreened fill-grade topsoil runs $15–$25/cu yd. Screened topsoil (most common) costs $20–$35/cu yd. Premium blended garden soil runs $30–$50/cu yd. Bagged topsoil from home centers costs $3–$7 per 40 lb bag (about $100–$250 per cubic yard equivalent). Delivery adds $50–$150 per load.
How deep should I apply topsoil? +
For new lawns, apply 4–6 inches of topsoil for strong root development. For overseeding or lawn repair, 1–2 inches is sufficient. Garden beds and flower beds need 6–8 inches for annual flowers and 8–12 inches for vegetable gardens. Raised beds should be filled 10–12 inches deep. For topdressing an existing lawn, 1/4 to 1/2 inch spread evenly is ideal.
Should I buy topsoil in bulk or in bags? +
Bulk delivery is significantly cheaper for projects over 1 cubic yard. Bagged topsoil costs $100–$250 per cubic yard equivalent, while bulk runs $15–$50 per cubic yard plus $50–$150 delivery. A 200 sq ft garden at 6 inches deep needs about 3.7 cubic yards: $56–$185 bulk vs. $370–$925 in bags. Buy bags only for small touch-ups under 1 cubic yard.
What are the different types of topsoil? +
Unscreened topsoil is the cheapest but may contain rocks, roots, and debris — good for fill and rough grading. Screened topsoil has been filtered through mesh for a consistent texture, ideal for lawns and general landscaping. Organic/compost-blended topsoil mixes screened soil with compost for nutrient-rich garden beds. Garden mix or raised-bed mix combines topsoil, compost, and amendments specifically for growing.
How is topsoil delivered? +
Bulk topsoil is delivered by dump truck and deposited in your driveway or yard. A standard dump truck carries 10–14 cubic yards, and a smaller single-axle truck carries 3–5 cubic yards. Delivery costs $50–$150 per load within 10–20 miles. You will need to spread it yourself with a wheelbarrow and rake, or hire labor at $30–$50 per cubic yard for spreading.
How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed? +
Calculate raised bed volume as: length × width × depth (all in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. A standard 4 × 8 ft raised bed at 12 inches deep needs 1.2 cubic yards. Fill the bottom third with a mix of topsoil and coarse organic matter, then fill the top two-thirds with premium garden mix. For a 4 × 8 × 1 ft bed, budget $40–$80 for bulk soil.
When is the best time to add topsoil? +
Spring (March–May) is the best time to add topsoil for new plantings, gardens, and lawn establishment. Fall (September–October) is ideal for lawn overseeding and topdressing because cool nights and warm soil promote root growth. Avoid adding topsoil when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. For garden beds, adding topsoil in fall allows it to settle and integrate over winter.
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