Topsoil Calculator
How many cubic yards of topsoil for a new lawn or garden bed — with cost.
Topsoil calculator
Not sure of the area? Use the square footage calculator →
You need
6.17 yd³
or 84 1 ft³ bags
Estimated cost $123 – $340
How much topsoil to order
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard. Measure the area you're covering, choose a depth for the job, and the calculator converts to yards. Need the area first? Use the square footage calculator.
Prices updated January 2026 National US averages · reviewed quarterly
Volumes use standard bag yields and a 10% waste allowance; costs are national US averages that vary by region, mix and finish. See our methodology for exactly how each figure is worked out, or check the reference sources:
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Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the area by the depth and divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 500 sq ft lawn topped with 2" of topsoil needs about 3.1 cubic yards.
How deep should topsoil be?
For a new lawn, 4–6" of quality topsoil is ideal; for top-dressing an existing lawn, ½–1" is enough. Garden beds usually want 6–12".
How much does topsoil cost?
Screened topsoil runs about $20–$55 per cubic yard delivered in 2026, plus delivery.