Topsoil Bags Calculator
Estimate topsoil volume and convert it to bags (1/2/3 cu ft or custom).
Quick guide
- Bagged topsoil is typically sold by cubic feet (or liters) per bag.
- Estimate total volume from area and depth, then convert to bags and round up.
- Add a small buffer for settling and uneven ground (often 5-10%).
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- If you already have cubic yards, convert to cubic feet first (1 yd³ = 27 ft³) before dividing by bag size.
- A “topdressing” on a lawn is usually a thin layer—using a garden-bed depth can overestimate bags by a lot.
- For big volumes, switching from bags to bulk delivery can save both money and hours of moving/emptying bags.
Bulk is often cheaper at volume
Bagged topsoil is convenient for small projects, but for larger volumes bulk delivery is usually cheaper per cubic yard and saves a lot of handling time.
Depth is the biggest swing factor—measure multiple spots and use an average so you don't over- or under-order.
If you're patching low spots, you can often estimate in smaller rectangles and then add a buffer. It's usually better to round up than to mix brands mid-project.
Bag size is the second-biggest swing factor. Common bag sizes are 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 cubic feet; two “1.5 cu ft” bags are not the same as two “2 cu ft” bags.
For lawn topdressing, the goal is typically to fill minor low spots and improve soil contact for seed, not to bury existing grass. Thin layers spread farther than most people expect once raked in.
For garden beds, think in layers: a thin top-up each season is different from filling a new raised bed. New beds often settle after watering, so a buffer matters more.
Quality varies more in bags than people assume. Some “topsoil” is mostly sandy fill, while others are screened and blend better into existing soil. The right product depends on whether you’re planting, leveling, or grading.
Handling time is real. A project that needs dozens of bags can take multiple store trips, loading/unloading, and disposal of empty bags—bulk delivery often wins on labor even if the per-bag price looks close.
If you’re mixing in compost or other amendments, estimate those separately. It’s easier to get consistent texture when you control the blend ratio instead of guessing by “bags of each.”
Topsoil Bags Calculator
Estimate topsoil volume and convert it to bags (1/2/3 cu ft or custom).
Results
- Base volume (cubic yards)
- 1.85
- Waste buffer (cubic yards)
- 0.19
- Estimated cubic yards
- 2.04
- Cubic feet
- 55
- Estimated bags
- 28
How to estimate topsoil bags
- Measure total area (length x width) and choose an average depth.
- Convert volume to cubic feet and divide by your bag size (cu ft per bag).
- Round up to whole bags and consider delivery/handling time for large projects.
- If you're leveling, include extra for low spots and edge feathering.
- If you measured depth in inches, convert to feet (in / 12) before calculating cubic feet.
- For lawn topdressing, estimate low areas separately (small rectangles) instead of applying a uniform depth to the entire lawn.
- If you’re blending materials (topsoil + compost), split the total volume into each component by your chosen ratio, then convert each to bags.
Assumptions to double-check
- Bag volume is based on the label, but settling and moisture can affect coverage.
- Depth is an average depth after spreading and leveling.
- For large volumes, bulk delivery can be cheaper than bagged topsoil.
- Topsoil quality varies widely—screening and organic content can change how it spreads and settles.
- You’re using installed depth (after raking/leveling), not the height of loose piles before spreading.
- If the area is sloped or has deep ruts, your “average depth” can change quickly—measure multiple points.
- Some projects need a blend (topsoil + compost) rather than pure topsoil; plan volume by purpose, not by product name.
Buying tips
- Check whether you need screened topsoil and whether compost is a better fit for planting.
- Buy a little extra for top-offs after watering and settling.
- If you need consistent texture, buy the same brand/batch when possible.
- If you're planting, consider blending with compost rather than using pure topsoil for all beds.
- Look at the bag label for volume (cu ft) and intended use (in-ground, raised beds, lawn repair). Pick the product that matches your job.
- If you’re doing a lot of bags, plan logistics: where to stack them, how far you’ll carry them, and how you’ll dispose of packaging.
- If you see lots of sticks/rocks in one bag, expect more waste and slower spreading—screened material is faster to grade and rake smooth.
- For lawns, avoid burying crowns: spread thin, rake in, and water lightly to settle before deciding if you need another pass.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong bag size or mixing units (liters vs cubic feet).
- Underestimating settling and low spots when choosing depth.
- Ordering bagged soil for a bulk-sized project (time and cost add up).
- Assuming "topsoil" is automatically good planting soil (some products are mostly fill).
- Using one uniform depth across an entire lawn when only a few areas are low.
- Spreading thick layers without checking drainage/slope—extra soil won’t fix standing water if the grade is wrong.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Always verify measurements and product specifications.