These three look similar in a pile but do very different jobs.
Topsoil
The upper layer of soil, screened for use, with some organic content. Use it to build beds, level a lawn, or top up planting areas. It runs roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard when fairly dry.
Fill dirt
Subsoil with little organic matter, used to fill holes, raise grades and build up low spots. It is cheaper than topsoil and compacts well, but plants will not thrive in it.
Compost
Decomposed organic matter, rich in nutrients. Mix it into topsoil to improve beds rather than using it alone, since pure compost is too rich and drains too fast for most plantings.
Estimate your soil. Topsoil Calculator →
Common questions
Can I grow plants in fill dirt?
Not well. Fill dirt is for raising grades and filling holes. Use topsoil, ideally amended with compost, for planting.
How much does topsoil weigh?
Roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard when fairly dry, more when wet.
More Calculators
Concrete New
Enter slab dimensions. Result rounds up with a 7 percent waste allowance.
Gravel New
Enter the area dimensions and depth. Result rounds up with a 5 percent waste allowance.
Mulch New
Enter the bed area and depth. Result rounds up with a 5 percent allowance.
Topsoil New
Enter the area and depth. Result rounds up with a 5 percent allowance.
Paint New
Enter total wall area and coats. Result rounds up to whole units.
Flooring New
Enter room area and the coverage printed on the box. 10 percent waste added.
Tile New
Enter the area and one tile size. 10 percent waste added.
Drywall New
Enter total area to cover. 10 percent waste added.
Paver New
Enter the patio size and one paver size. 5 percent waste added.
Sand New
Enter the area and depth. 5 percent allowance added.
Roofing New
Enter the roof surface area. 10 percent waste added. Three bundles per square.
Insulation New
Enter area to cover and the coverage printed on the package. 5 percent added.
Fence New
Enter total fence length and post spacing.
Sod New
Enter the area to cover. 5 percent allowance added.
Grass Seed New
Enter area and seeding rate. Default rates suit a new lawn.
Fertilizer New
Enter area, target nitrogen rate and the first number on the bag.
Cubic Yards New
Enter length, width and depth. No waste added.
Square Footage New
Enter length and width.
Board Foot New
Enter board dimensions and quantity.
Material Cost New
Enter quantity, unit price, tax and delivery. Figures are in your own currency.