How much topsoil do I need?
One cubic yard of topsoil covers 108 square feet at 3 inches, 81 square feet at 4 inches, or 54 square feet at 6 inches.
Depth depends on the job, and this is where most orders go wrong. Topdressing an existing lawn needs 1–2 inches. Establishing a new lawn needs 4–6 inches. A raised vegetable bed needs 8–12 inches. Regrading to fix drainage needs whatever the slope calls for, which is usually more than you think.
Worked example: a new lawn 30 ft × 20 ft at 4 inches is 600 sq ft × 0.333 ft = 200 cubic feet = 7.4 cubic yards. Add 15% for settling and you order 8.5 yards.
How the calculation works
Cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × pounds per yard ÷ 2,000.
Screened topsoil runs about 2,200 lb per cubic yard dry, and can hit 2,700 lb after rain. If your supplier sells by weight, order on a dry day or you are paying for water.
The settling allowance matters more for soil than for any other material. Freshly placed topsoil drops 10–20% after the first few waterings, which is why a bed that looked perfect on Saturday is dished by Wednesday.
Typical topsoil cost, mid-2026
| Material | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Screened topsoil (bulk) | per yd³ | $20.00 – $50.00 |
| Garden mix / compost blendBest for raised beds | per yd³ | $35.00 – $75.00 |
| Fill dirtStructural fill only — will not grow anything | per yd³ | $8.00 – $25.00 |
| Bagged topsoil | per 40 lb bag | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Delivery | per trip | $60.00 – $150 |
| Spread and grade | per yd³ | $30.00 – $60.00 |
Fill dirt and topsoil are not interchangeable. Fill is subsoil with no organic content — use it to build up grade, then cap it with real topsoil.
What goes wrong on this job
- Order 15% over the measured figure. Soil settles, the subgrade is never level, and a second delivery costs another full trip charge for a fraction of a yard.
- Ask whether the price is screened or unscreened. Unscreened soil is cheaper and full of rocks and root balls you will spend a weekend picking out.
- Never place topsoil on compacted subgrade without breaking it up first. You create a perched water table — the new soil stays saturated and the grass drowns.
- For raised beds, a mix beats straight topsoil. Roughly 60% topsoil, 30% compost and 10% coarse sand or perlite gives structure that will not turn into a brick by August.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for a lawn?
For a new lawn at 4 inches deep, divide the square footage by 81. A 1,000 sq ft lawn needs about 12.3 cubic yards. For topdressing an existing lawn at 1 inch, divide by 324 instead.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Around 2,200 lb dry, up to 2,700 lb wet. That is a ton or more per yard, which is why a half-ton pickup can only safely carry about one cubic yard.
How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?
About 36 bags at the common 40 lb / 0.75 cubic foot size. Above roughly a third of a yard, bulk delivery is cheaper.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is the organic upper layer that supports plant growth. Fill dirt is subsoil — cheap, stable and inert. Use fill to build elevation and topsoil for the final 4–6 inches where things need to grow.