Bagged route
25 bags
40 lb topsoil bags
Best for small lawn patches, low spots, and easy pickup. Confirm the bag volume and local product mix before buying.
Topsoil calculator
Topsoil calculator for cubic yards, tons, and bags.
Estimate topsoil for lawn patches, garden beds, low spots, and raised beds before comparing bagged and bulk buying routes.
Quick reference
Topsoil for common areas at 2 and 4 inches
Cubic yards and tons including the default 10% extra, at about 1.1 tons per cubic yard.
| Area | Yards at 2 in | Tons at 2 in | Yards at 4 in | Tons at 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.68 yd³ | 0.7 tons | 1.36 yd³ | 1.5 tons |
| 500 sq ft | 3.40 yd³ | 3.7 tons | 6.79 yd³ | 7.5 tons |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.79 yd³ | 7.5 tons | 13.58 yd³ | 14.9 tons |
| 2,000 sq ft | 13.58 yd³ | 14.9 tons | 27.16 yd³ | 29.9 tons |
Use 2 in to patch or level a lawn and 4 to 6 in for new beds. Loose soil settles after watering.
Quick topsoil answers
Common topsoil checks
100 sq ft at 2 in
0.68 yd³
25 bags
0.75 tons
250 sq ft at 3 in
2.55 yd³
92 bags
2.80 tons
4 x 8 bed at 10 in
1.09 yd³
40 bags
1.20 tons
Shopping list
Compare bagged and bulk topsoil
Bulk route
25
Bulk topsoil
For larger lawns and garden beds, compare bags against local bulk cubic-yard delivery and minimum-order rules.
Optional mix
Compost or soil amendment
For planting beds, plain topsoil is often mixed with compost or other amendments based on the plant and site.
Optional tools
Rake, shovel, and wheelbarrow
Moving soil is heavy. Plan the hauling path, spreading tools, and where the delivery truck can drop bulk material.
Formula shown
How topsoil estimates work
Volume
length ft x width ft x depth in / 12
Cubic yards and tons
cubic yards = ft³ / 27; tons = yd³ x density
Bags
bags = ceil(cubic feet with allowance / bag volume)
Sources
- Home Depot Mulch and Top Soil Calculator — retailer estimating flow for soil and mulch by area and depth
- Lowe's Mulch and Soil Calculator — mulch and soil coverage calculator for garden projects
- Home Depot 40 lb Top Soil — 40 lb bag coverage reference used to check the bag volume
Sources checked
Checked against
Bulk densities, bag sizes, and coverage depths checked against supplier and retail product specs.
How we check our numbersLast updated: June 21, 2026
Estimate only.
This calculator is not a quote. Verify product yield, price, delivery minimums, and local conditions with your supplier or contractor before buying materials.
FAQ
Topsoil calculator questions
Quick answers for lawn patches, garden beds, bags, tons, and bulk ordering.
How much topsoil do I need? + -
Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. This calculator also estimates tons and 40 lb bags from the same volume.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn patch? + -
Small lawn patches often use about 1 to 2 inches of topsoil blended into the existing soil. Deeper fills, garden beds, and raised beds need more material and may need compost or amendments.
Should I buy topsoil in bags or bulk? + -
Bags work for small patches and easier pickup. Bulk topsoil is usually better for larger areas, but delivery minimums, moisture, screening, and drop-off access matter.
Why does the calculator show tons? + -
Bulk suppliers may quote topsoil by cubic yard or by ton. The ton estimate uses a planning density and can change with moisture and screening.
Is topsoil the same as garden soil? + -
No. Topsoil is often a base material or fill. Planting beds may need compost or other amendments depending on the plant, drainage, and existing soil.