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Topsoil Calculator

Calculate cubic yards of topsoil for lawns, garden beds, and raised beds.

Project type
Measure the area
Area dimensions
ft
ft
Depth and material
5"

Standard garden and lawn blend — rocks and debris removed.

5%
$

Topsoil needed

16.25 cubic yards

1,000 sq ft at 5" deep — about 18.7 tons.
Order quantity
16.25 yd³
Estimated weight~1.15 tons/yd moist
18.7 tons
Bag equivalent
438 bags (1 cu ft each)
Material cost
$650
Volume breakdown
MeasureValue
Area1,000 sq ft
Depth5"
Cubic feet417 cu ft
Cubic yards (with waste)16.20 yd³

Do not overload your truck

One cubic yard weighs 1,000–1,300 lbs. A pickup safely carries 1–1.5 yards. Schedule dump delivery for orders above 2 yards.

What this assumes

  • One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet and weighs roughly 1,000 to 1,300 lbs depending on moisture.
  • Screened topsoil is assumed unless fill dirt is selected.
  • Standard bag size is 0.75 to 1 cu ft at retail; this calculator uses 1 cu ft bags for bag count.

Important

Unscreened fill dirt is not topsoil — do not plant directly in fill. For raised beds over 12 inches, mix topsoil with compost rather than using pure topsoil.

Understanding the result

Depth depends on the project

Topdressing an existing lawn needs 1 to 2 inches. A new lawn from seed or sod needs 4 to 6 inches of quality soil. Garden beds need 6 to 12 inches. Grading and filling low spots can use unscreened fill at greater depth.

Bulk delivery saves money

Above one cubic yard, a dump truck delivery at $35 to $55 per yard beats bagged soil. A typical dump truck carries 3 to 10 yards. Schedule delivery when the ground is dry enough for the truck to reach the drop point.

Common questions

How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
A new lawn needs 4 to 6 inches of topsoil. For 1,000 square feet at 4 inches: 12.3 cubic yards. At 6 inches: 18.5 cubic yards. Order screened topsoil, not fill dirt.
How many cubic yards in a dump truck?
A single-axle dump truck carries 3 to 5 cubic yards. A tandem axle carries 8 to 10 yards. Verify the truck can reach your drop location — overhead branches and soft ground block access.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
One cubic yard of moist topsoil weighs 1,000 to 1,300 pounds — about half a ton. A pickup truck safely carries 1 to 1.5 yards; do not overload.
How much topsoil for a 4x8 raised bed?
A 4×8 bed at 12 inches deep is 32 cubic feet — 1.19 cubic yards. Round up to 1.25 yards. Mix 50% topsoil and 50% compost for better drainage and nutrition.

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