Landscape & Groundwork
Topsoil Calculator
Find the cubic yards, tons and material cost for your topsoil bed.
Enter your measurements
Results update as you type.
About this calculator
For garden beds and leveling: enter bed dimensions or an area with depth, add an allowance, and optionally your supplier's bag volume or loose density. A soil/fill mode labels the estimate appropriately — fill dirt and topsoil are different materials and this tool does not equate them.
How to use this calculator
- Measure each bed's length, width and the depth of soil you want.
- Choose topsoil or fill as the material label — the geometry is identical.
- Add bag volume or supplier density for bag counts or weight.
- Calculate and keep the order volume for the supplier.
Formula
Net volume = area × depth (summed across beds)
Order volume = net volume × (1 + allowance ÷ 100)
Bags = ⌈order volume ÷ bag volume⌉
Assumptions
- Fill dirt and topsoil are labeled separately; the tool makes no claim that all dirt is topsoil.
- Density and bag volume come from you or your supplier, never a guessed preset.
- The editable density is a named supplier example. Grading, moisture and compaction can change the weight.
Common mistakes
- Mixing depth in inches with area in square feet before converting units.
- Using a loose or dry supplier density for a different compacted or wet material.
- Applying extra order volume twice, or treating it as a compaction model.
Worked example
Try it: press “Load example” above the form.
10 m × 2 m × 0.15 m = 3 m³ net; with 10% extra, 3.3 m³, which is 66 bags of 50 L.
Limitations
Quantities are geometric planning estimates. Confirm the material, dry/loose or compacted basis, delivery minimum and density with your own supplier. The allowance is extra volume, not a compaction model.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should the topsoil layer be?
Enter the depth required by your planting or grading plan. This calculator measures volume; it does not specify soil composition, growing requirements or settlement.
Can I calculate bags as well as bulk topsoil?
Yes, provide the usable volume per bag for a whole-bag count. Bulk weight needs a density; the named supplier example is editable and may differ from your topsoil.
What does the worked example show?
10 m × 2 m × 0.15 m = 3 m³ net; with 10% extra, 3.3 m³, which is 66 bags of 50 L.
Which assumptions should I check before using the result?
Quantities are geometric planning estimates. Confirm the material, dry/loose or compacted basis, delivery minimum and density with your own supplier. The allowance is extra volume, not a compaction model.
Sources
Sources explain the methods and any named product presets. Check your product label where coverage, yield or density differs.
- Inch Calculator: Gravel
- NIST: Revised Unit Conversion Factors
- Triangle Landscape Supplies: dry bulk weights
Named supplier examples: rock 2,800 lb/yd³, sand 2,500 lb/yd³, soil 2,000–2,600 lb/yd³. These do not specify every material. Checked 8 November 2026.
- Acme Sand & Gravel: bulk conversion examples
Topsoil example: 2,300 lb/yd³. Supplier examples vary; prices are not used. Checked 8 November 2026.
Calculation documentation · Updated 2026-11-08 · Version 1.6.4. Estimates are planning aids. Confirm quantities, coverage and prices with your supplier before purchasing. Found an error? Report it.
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