Topsoil Calculator (Metric)
Find how much topsoil you need in cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons from the area you're covering and the depth you want.
What your result means
Topsoil needed is the volume to cover your area at the chosen depth, in cubic yards (how it's sold) and cubic feet. Approximate weight estimates tons, useful for delivery limits, at about 1.35 tons per cubic yard for screened soil (wet soil weighs more). Need the area first? Use our square footage calculator, or compare with our mulch calculator.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the area length and width in feet.
- Choose a depth — 4 to 15.2 cm for new lawns, more for garden beds.
- Read the cubic yards, cubic feet, and approximate tonnage.
- Order about 5% extra for settling and leveling.
- Check delivery weight limits using the tons figure.
The formula
Depth in inches divided by twelve gives feet; area times that depth is cubic feet, divided by 27 for cubic yards. Screened topsoil weighs roughly 1.35 tons per cubic yard, more when wet.
Worked example
Topdressing a 20 by 3 m area (18.6 m²) at 10.2 cm deep takes 200 × 0.333 = 1.89 m³, about 1.89 m³, or roughly 3.3 tons of screened topsoil before settling.
Topsoil depth guide
| Use | Recommended depth |
|---|---|
| Topdressing a lawn | 0.25 - 1.3 cm |
| New lawn / sod base | 4 - 15.2 cm |
| Garden beds | 8 - 30.5 cm |
| Raised beds | Fill to box height |
| Weight | ~1.35 tons / cu yd |
Tips & gotchas
- Screened topsoil weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard dry, more when wet — mind delivery limits.
- For new lawns, 4 to 15.2 cm of quality topsoil gives roots room to establish.
- Order roughly 5% extra; soil settles and low spots eat more than you expect.
- Bulk by the cubic yard is far cheaper than bagged for any real volume.
- Mix in compost for beds — straight topsoil alone is rarely ideal for planting.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply area by depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 18.6 m² area at 10.2 cm needs about 1.89 m³.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Screened topsoil is roughly 1.35 tons (about 2,700 lbs) per cubic yard when dry, and noticeably more when wet.
How deep should topsoil be for grass?
4 to 15.2 cm of good topsoil gives new grass roots room to establish. Topdressing an existing lawn needs only a quarter to half inch.
How many cubic feet in a yard of topsoil?
0.76 m³ make one cubic yard, the same as any volume measure.
Should I buy bagged or bulk topsoil?
Bags suit tiny jobs. For anything over a few cubic feet, bulk delivery by the yard is much cheaper.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.