Topsoil for an area
Enter the area and depth. Result rounds up with a 5 percent allowance.
sq ft
in
m²
cm
Cubic yards
-cu yd
Tons (approx)
-tons
cubic yards = area × (depth / 12) ÷ 27; tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.1
Cubic metres
-m³
Tonnes (approx)
-t
cubic metres = area × (depth / 100); tonnes ≈ cubic metres × 1.44
Estimate only. Rounded up with a 5 percent waste allowance. Confirm the final quantity with your supplier before ordering.
How the topsoil estimate works
Volume is area times depth. Screened topsoil weighs roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard when fairly dry, more when wet, so the weight is an approximation. For raised beds and lawns, 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil is a common target. Bulk delivery is almost always cheaper than bags for soil.
Hauling soil? A contractor grade wheelbarrow handles topsoil far better than a garden cart.
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Common questions
How much topsoil do I need for 500 square feet?
At 4 inches deep, 500 square feet needs about 6.2 cubic yards, roughly 6.8 tons, before the allowance.
How many cubic yards of topsoil in a ton?
Screened topsoil is roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard, so a ton is a little under one cubic yard. Moisture changes this, so confirm with your supplier.
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