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Builders-Tools

Topsoil calculator

Measure the area and depth. Add your supplier’s weight per yard to see tons.

Enter your numbers to see the result.

Topsoil fills raised beds, levels low spots and gives new seed something to grow in.

How it works

Cubic yards = area x depth (in) / 324. Raised beds are length x width x height of soil you need.

Settling

Loose soil settles after watering. People filling raised beds often overfill a little or plan to top up after the first few weeks.

Weight

Soil weight changes a lot with moisture and clay content, so the calculator only shows tons if you enter your supplier’s weight per yard.

Frequently asked questions

How much topsoil do I need for a 4 x 8 raised bed?

At 12 in deep it holds 32 cu ft, about 1.2 cubic yards.

How many bags of topsoil in a yard?

27 bags of 1 cu ft, or 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft.

How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?

Ask your local extension office; it depends on the soil you have.