Topsoil calculator
How much topsoil do I need?
Estimate topsoil volume in cubic feet and cubic yards for garden beds, lawns, and landscaping projects.
Topsoil calculator
Topsoil calculator result
Topsoil depth recommendations
- New garden beds: 6-12 inches of topsoil for deep-rooted plants
- Lawn establishment: 4-6 inches over existing subsoil
- Rejuvenating existing beds: 2-3 inches worked into existing soil
- Raised beds: 12-18 inches for most vegetables
One cubic yard of topsoil covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. Purchase screened topsoil for best results as it is free of rocks and debris.
Worked example
For example, for a 12×10 ft raised garden bed, 6 inches deep:
- Area = 12 × 10 = 120 sq ft
- Volume = 120 × (6 ÷ 12) = 60 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 60 ÷ 27 = 2.22 yd³
- Order 2.5 yd³ to account for settling after watering
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or amended soil for best growing results
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Buying poor-quality topsoil | Screened topsoil should be dark, crumbly, and free of debris — inspect before buying |
| Not testing soil pH first | Most vegetables need pH 6.0-7.0 — get a $10 test kit before adding amendments |
| Filling beds too high | Leave 1-2 inches below the bed rim to prevent soil washing out in rain |