Soil Calculator
Figure out exactly how much soil you need for garden beds, landscaping, or fill projects. Enter the area dimensions and depth to get volume, weight, bag count, and a cost estimate.
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Choosing the Right Soil Type
The soil type you need depends on the project. Topsoil is the go-to for general landscaping, filling low spots, and establishing lawns. It is screened native soil that provides a stable base for grass. Quality varies by supplier, so ask about organic matter content and screening.
Garden mix is enriched topsoil blended with compost and organic amendments. It drains better and contains nutrients for plants to thrive. Use it for raised beds, flower gardens, and vegetable patches where fertility matters most.
Compost adds organic matter and nutrients to existing soil. Sand improves drainage in clay-heavy soils. Gravel works for drainage layers, pathways, and base material under pavers. Each has a different density, which affects weight and delivery cost per cubic yard.
How to Order the Right Amount
Ordering too little means a second delivery trip and extra fees. Ordering too much means paying for soil you don't need. This calculator helps you hit the right number, but add 5 to 10 percent extra as a buffer since soil settles and compacts after spreading.
Most landscape suppliers sell bulk soil by the cubic yard. A standard pickup truck bed holds about 1 to 1.5 cubic yards. A cubic yard of topsoil weighs over a ton, so check your vehicle's payload rating before hauling it yourself.
For larger projects, delivery trucks carry 10 to 15 cubic yards. Ask about minimum delivery quantities and whether the truck can access your site. Narrow driveways, overhead wires, and soft ground can limit where a dump truck can go.
Spreading and Compaction Tips
Spread soil evenly using a landscape rake for large areas or a garden rake for beds. Work in layers of 2 to 3 inches if the total depth exceeds 4 inches, lightly watering between layers to prevent excessive settling. For lawns, use a roller after spreading to create a firm surface for seed or sod.
Fresh topsoil settles approximately 10 to 15 percent over the first few weeks from rain and gravity. Plan for this by adding slightly more than your target depth. Garden beds can be mounded above the desired level for the same reason.
Avoid spreading soil over frozen ground or when it is saturated with water. Wet soil compacts unevenly and creates hard layers that impede root growth. Wait until soil is damp but crumbly, holding together briefly when squeezed but breaking apart easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much soil I need?
Multiply length times width times depth (all in the same unit, typically feet) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards, which is how bulk soil is usually sold. For depth in inches, divide by 12 first to convert to feet. This calculator handles all the conversions for you automatically.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons (2,200 lbs) per cubic yard. However, moisture content can increase this significantly. Wet topsoil can weigh 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. When ordering delivery, ask the supplier whether they sell by weight or volume since moisture affects the relationship between the two.
Should I buy soil in bags or bulk?
For small projects under 1 cubic yard, bags are more practical. Each 40-pound bag contains about 0.75 cubic feet of soil. For anything over 2 to 3 cubic yards, bulk delivery is significantly cheaper, typically $25 to $50 per cubic yard versus the equivalent of $100 or more per cubic yard in bags.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
A new lawn needs at least 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil for healthy grass growth. If you are laying sod, 4 inches is sufficient. For seeding, 6 inches gives roots room to establish. Vegetable gardens should have 8 to 12 inches of enriched topsoil for best results.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden mix?
Topsoil is screened native soil, good for filling and grading but variable in nutrient content. Garden mix (also called garden soil) is topsoil blended with compost, peat, or other organic amendments. Garden mix is lighter, drains better, and contains more nutrients, making it ideal for raised beds and planting areas. Topsoil is better for large fill jobs where fertility is less important.