Topsoil Calculator
Enter your area dimensions and depth to find out how many cubic yards, tons, and bags of topsoil, fill dirt, compost, or mulch you need — with an instant cost estimate.
Quick rule: 1 cubic yard of topsoil covers approx. 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 300 sq ft at 1 inch deep. For a raised bed, use 12 inches minimum.
How much topsoil do I need? — Depth guide
| Depth | Per 100 sq ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in (2.5 cm) | 0.31 yd³ / 0.56 tons | Thin topdressing, overseeding |
| 2 in (5 cm) | 0.62 yd³ / 1.11 tons | Standard lawn topdress, mulch refresh |
| 3 in (7.5 cm) | 0.93 yd³ / 1.67 tons | New lawn, mulch beds (most common) |
| 4 in (10 cm) | 1.23 yd³ / 2.22 tons | Garden beds, light grading |
| 6 in (15 cm) | 1.85 yd³ / 3.33 tons | Deep fill, significant grading |
| 12 in (30 cm) | 3.70 yd³ / 6.67 tons | Raised vegetable beds (recommended minimum) |
Topsoil cost by material
| Material | Per Cubic Yard | Per 40-lb bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | $25–$50 | $2–$5 | General purpose lawn & garden |
| Fill Dirt | $5–$25 | $2–$4 | Grading, leveling; lower quality |
| Compost | $30–$70 | $4–$8 | Improves drainage & nutrients |
| Wood Mulch | $25–$45 | $4–$7 | Weed suppression, moisture retention |
| Sand | $20–$50 | $4–$6 | Drainage, leveling, play areas |