Topsoil Calculator

Topsoil is sold by volume but it is one of the heaviest materials a garden project involves, so the estimate has two outputs that matter: how much to order and whether the ground can take the delivery. A cubic yard of moist topsoil weighs roughly a tonne or a little more, which means even a modest raised bed can arrive as several tonnes on a pallet or a tipper. The volume itself is straightforward: area times depth, with the depth converted to feet. The depth is the variable to think about. A light dressing to improve a lawn might be a quarter inch, spreading a skim over existing ground. Leveling a new bed usually takes three to six inches. A raised bed might be filled to ten or twelve inches, and a new lawn's base layer often wants four to six inches of good soil before turf or seed goes down. Quantity is not the only consideration. Topsoil varies enormously in quality: a screened loam is free of stones and rubbish and holds water well, while a cheap fill soil may be heavy clay or full of debris. For growing anything, ask for screened topsoil with some organic content, and expect it to settle after watering by a noticeable fraction of the depth you added, which is why a small over-order is normal. This calculator gives volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, cubic metres and an approximate weight. It assumes an even depth and a typical bulk density you can adjust. Measure the area carefully and consider a slight excess for settlement, and check the weight against what your access and surface can bear before ordering a full load.

This calculator returns estimates for planning and general information only. It is not engineering, architectural, structural, electrical or code advice, and it cannot replace a qualified professional who has seen the site. Material quantities depend on the actual dimensions, the product you buy and local building codes, so confirm the figures before ordering materials or starting work, and always follow local regulations.