Topsoil Calculator

Estimate cubic yards of topsoil based on area and depth.

Quick guide

Measure total area and choose an average depth for the project.
Convert depth to feet or meters before calculating volume.
Add a small buffer for settling, grading, and uneven areas.

Show full guide (13 more)

For leveling, measure multiple depth checks and use an average instead of the single lowest spot.
Decide whether this is topdressing (thin layer) or filling/raising grade (thicker); the required volume differs by an order of magnitude.
If you are improving soil (not just filling), plan compost as a separate line item and control the blend ratio.

Depth and leveling drive volume

Topsoil projects usually fail on depth assumptions. A small change in average depth across a large area can change yardage a lot, so it helps to measure multiple spots and use an average.

If you're leveling, don't base your order on the single lowest spot. Plan the average depth you'll spread, then add a buffer for feathering edges and filling low areas.

Leveling and average depth notes: most low spots are deepest at the center and taper at the edges. Using an average depth for the spot (and adding a feathering zone) is usually more accurate than using the maximum depth you measured at one point.

If you are doing thick fills, consider placing in stages and re-checking after settling. Staged leveling is slower but often produces a better final grade and avoids over-ordering (project dependent).

If your goal is soil improvement (not just filling), you may want a compost blend. Treat topsoil and compost as separate line items so you control the mix ratio.

Topdressing vs leveling: lawn topdressing is often a very thin layer spread and brushed into the grass, while leveling low spots may require localized thicker fills. Estimating those as one uniform depth often over-orders.

Quality matters. Screened topsoil is easier to grade smooth for lawns and seeding; unscreened fill can contain rocks and debris that slow spreading and reduce finish quality.

Drainage is a design choice. Adding soil without correcting slope can make water problems worse. Volume math can’t fix a low spot if the overall grade is wrong.

Worked example: 2,000 sq ft lawn topdressed at 1/4" is 2,000 x (0.25/12) = 41.7 cu ft = 1.54 yd³. That’s often 2 yd³ after buffer and delivery minimums. The same lawn at 2" would be ~12.3 yd³—huge difference—so depth definition is everything.

If you plan to seed or sod, the final grade quality matters more than ordering “exact.” Plan enough material to feather edges and hit a smooth transition at sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

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Topsoil Calculator

Estimate cubic yards of topsoil based on area and depth.

Units

Area (sq ft)Depth (in)Waste factor (%)Price per cubic yard (USD, optional)

Results

Base volume (cubic yards): 1.23
Waste buffer (cubic yards): 0.12
Estimated cubic yards: 1.36

How to measure your area

For rectangles: area = length x width. For circles: area = pi x r².
For lawns, measure sections and add them for total area.
Convert depth to feet (in / 12) or meters (cm / 100).
For leveling, take depth readings at multiple points and average them for a realistic depth input.
After spreading, lightly water or roll to settle, then re-check low spots before seeding or sodding.
For low-spot leveling, estimate the low areas as smaller rectangles and use a thicker depth for those zones instead of applying that depth to the whole lawn.
If you’re raising grade near a foundation, confirm required clearance to siding and slopes away from the house before choosing depth.

Assumptions to double-check

Use average depth—topdressing and leveling often vary across the area.
If you're filling low spots, include extra volume for those areas.
Bulk topsoil may settle; a buffer prevents running short.
Soil quality varies by supplier (screened vs unscreened, organic content, rocks). Coverage and finish quality depend on the product.
Moisture and compaction change installed depth. Loose piles look like more volume than you end up with after raking and watering.
If you are mixing compost into topsoil, treat the blend ratio as volume-based and expect some settling after watering.

Buying tips

Confirm whether you need screened topsoil for a smoother finish.
Round up to delivery minimums and keep a small amount for touch-ups.
If you add compost, adjust the mix ratio and volume accordingly.
If you need a specific blend (screened topsoil + compost), ask for the blend ratio or a spec sheet.
If you're using fill for grade changes, confirm it’s suitable for planting if that matters; “fill dirt” is often not.
If the soil is poor, consider a compost blend rather than straight topsoil (but don't overdo organic matter for lawns).
If you’re seeding or sodding, plan a smooth final grade and allow extra for feathering edges and transitions.
If you’re doing small volumes, compare bulk delivery vs bags; bags are convenient but labor-intensive and often more expensive per yard.
Ask the supplier what the material is intended for (screened topsoil, fill dirt, garden mix). Naming varies; confirm texture and screening.
Plan logistics: where the pile will be dumped, wheelbarrow path, and whether you need plywood to protect hardscape during hauling.

Common mistakes to avoid

Estimating depth from one low spot instead of averaging multiple measurements.
Forgetting settling after watering/rolling and then needing a second delivery.
Assuming all topsoil is screened and easy to spread (quality varies by supplier).
Trying to fix drainage with extra topsoil instead of correcting slope and base conditions first.
Applying a thick uniform layer to an entire lawn when only a few areas are low (it can bury grass and wastes material).
Buying fill labeled “topsoil” for planting beds without checking quality; some products are mostly inert fill.

Last updated: Dec 2025

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Topsoil depth planning (quick)

Topsoil ordering is sensitive to depth. Measure multiple spots and use an average thickness, especially if you’re leveling.

Project	Typical depth	Notes
New lawn/topdressing	1–2 in	Often followed by seeding/sod
Leveling low spots	Varies	Average multiple depth checks
Garden beds	4–8+ in	Consider compost blend separately

Example: 1,000 sq ft at 2 inches is ~6.17 cu yd (before waste and settling). Round up for leveling and compaction.

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Topsoil leveling guide Topsoil coverage chart

FAQ

What topsoil depth is typical?

It depends on the project. Lawns often use a thin topdressing, leveling low spots may be thicker, and garden beds often use several inches. Use an average depth across the area.

Why cubic yards (yd³)?

Bulk topsoil is commonly sold by the cubic yard. Convert area and average depth to cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.

Should I add waste?

Yes. A buffer helps account for settling, feathering edges, and uneven areas. Delivery minimums can also force rounding up.

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