Calculate cubic yards, number of bags, and total cost of topsoil for lawns, gardens, and raised beds.
Cubic yards, bags & cost
Topsoil settles 10–20% after watering. Add at least 10% extra to ensure full coverage depth.
Topsoil is sold either in bags or in bulk by the cubic yard. To estimate how much you need, calculate your area in square feet, then multiply by your desired depth in feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| New lawn establishment | 4–6 inches |
| Overseeding existing lawn | 1–2 inches |
| Raised vegetable bed | 8–12 inches |
| Flower garden | 6–8 inches |
For areas under 1 cubic yard (27 cubic feet), buying bags from a garden center is usually more convenient — no minimum order and no delivery wait. For larger lawns or gardens, bulk topsoil delivered by the yard is significantly cheaper per cubic foot.
The calculator shows both costs so you can quickly compare and choose the best option for your budget and project size.
For a new lawn at 4 inches deep over 1,000 sq ft, you need about 12.4 cubic yards of topsoil. At 6 inches deep, that rises to approximately 18.5 cubic yards. Add 10% for settling.
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. If you are using 2 cu ft bags, you need 14 bags per cubic yard. For 1 cu ft bags, you need 27 bags. Bulk delivery is almost always cheaper for amounts over 1–2 yards.
Not exactly. Topsoil is the natural upper layer of soil removed during grading — it is good for lawns and filling but may lack nutrients. Garden soil (or potting mix) is amended with compost, fertilizer, and drainage material for planting. For raised vegetable beds, use a blend of topsoil and compost.
Loose topsoil compresses by 10–20% after watering and foot traffic. If you fill exactly to grade, the surface will be below grade after the first rain. Adding a 10% settling buffer keeps your lawn or bed at the right level long-term.