Outdoor & gardenFree calculator
Work out how much topsoil you need for a raised bed, border or new lawn. Get the volume, the approximate weight and the number of bags.
Your shopping list
How to measure
- Measure the length and width of the area.
- Choose the depth: 4–6 in (10–15 cm) for new lawns, 8–12 in (20–30 cm) for raised vegetable beds.
The formula
Volume = length × width × depth Weight ≈ 1.1 tons per cu yd (1.3 tonnes per m³)
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft bed filled 4 in deep needs 2.47 cu yd of topsoil, about 2.7 tons.
Tips before you buy
- Bulk loads are much cheaper than bags for anything over about 1 cu yd (0.75 m³).
- Topsoil settles, so add about 10% for raised beds.
- Mix in compost for vegetable beds.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil cover?
About 81 sq ft at 4 in deep, or 324 sq ft at 1 in deep.
How heavy is topsoil?
Dry topsoil weighs about 1–1.3 tonnes per m³; wet soil is heavier.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?
4–6 in (10–15 cm) of good topsoil gives grass roots room to grow.
Results are estimates for planning only. Always check quantities with your supplier before you buy.