Landscape & Aggregates

Topsoil & Dirt Calculator

This topsoil calculator estimates soil in yards, tons and bags for lawns and beds; see our yard drainage guide before regrading. Use this for topsoil on a new lawn, fill dirt for low spots, or garden soil for raised beds. Bulk soil is usually priced per cubic yard; bagged soil is commonly sold in 0.75 or 1 cubic foot bags. Weight varies widely with moisture and organic content, so treat the tons figure as approximate.

Results from this topsoil calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the topsoil / dirt calculator

Enter the area to cover.
Enter depth: commonly 4–6 in for new lawns; deeper for raised beds.
Choose "per cubic yard" pricing to match most landscape yards.

Formula

Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × (1 + waste). Tons = cubic yards × density. Bags = cubic feet ÷ 0.75 ft³.

Worked example

Topdressing a 20 × 30 ft lawn area at 4 in: 600 × 0.333 = 200 ft³ + 5% = 210 ft³ = 7.78 yd³.

Tips for using the topsoil / dirt calculator

Use 4–6 in of topsoil for a new lawn and more for vegetable or raised beds.
Fill dirt is for grading and low spots; topsoil is for growing.
Grade soil away from the foundation so new topsoil does not send water toward the house.
Ask for screened topsoil from a reputable yard; cheap fill sold as topsoil can contain rocks, debris and weed seeds that cause problems for years. Water new soil to settle it before seeding.