Enter your address to get started
Free estimator
Topsoil Calculator
Figure out how much topsoil to order for a new lawn, a regrade, or low spots in the yard. Trace the area on a satellite map or enter the measurements, set the depth, and get cubic yards plus an approximate weight in tons.
Topsoil Calculator
How would you like to estimate?
Choose the method that works best for your project
New
Trace from Satellite
Draw shapes on aerial view of your property
Manual Dimensions
Enter length and width measurements directly
All estimates are approximate and should be verified before purchase.
How Deep to Spread Topsoil
- Top dressing an existing lawn
- 1/4 to 1/2 inch
- Repairing bare patches
- 1 to 2 inches
- Seeding or sodding a new lawn
- 4 to 6 inches
- Filling low spots and regrading
- measure the deepest point
What One Yard of Topsoil Covers
- 2 inches deep
- about 162 sq ft per cubic yard
- 4 inches deep
- about 81 sq ft per cubic yard
- 6 inches deep
- about 54 sq ft per cubic yard
- Weight
- about 1.2 tons per cubic yard, heavier when wet
Getting the Topsoil Estimate Right
Topsoil settles
Loose topsoil settles as it takes on water and gets walked on, often by 10 to 20 percent. For regrading and new lawns, order a little over the calculated amount and spread slightly proud of your finished grade.
Measuring low spots
For an uneven area, measure the depth at several points and use the average, not the deepest spot. Break a large irregular area into rectangles and add them up, or trace it on the satellite map.
Topsoil Calculator Questions
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
Plan on 4 to 6 inches over prepared subsoil. At 4 inches deep, one cubic yard covers about 81 square feet, so a 1,000 square foot lawn needs about 12 to 13 cubic yards.
How many tons is a yard of topsoil?
About 1.2 tons when dry. Topsoil holds water, so a wet load can weigh noticeably more.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is screened native soil used for lawns and grading. Garden soil is topsoil blended with compost for planting beds, and it is lighter and richer.