Soil Calculator
Your estimate
- Weight
- 2.84 tons5,681 lb · 2.58 t
- Estimated cost
- $90.74
Topsoil, fill dirt, garden soil or compost — for lawns, garden beds and raised beds.
Updated 2026-10-20 · Based on: supplier bulk densities (gravel ≈ 1.4 tons per yd³).
How to use the Soil Calculator
- Pick an area (rectangle or circle) or Raised bed.
- Enter the size and depth — 4–6 in for lawns, 12 in for raised beds.
- Choose the soil type and bag size.
- Read yards (bulk) or bags.
Formula
Cubic yards = length × width × depth (ft) ÷ 27.
Bags = volume ÷ bag size (1, 1.5 or 2 ft³). Topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons per yd³.
Worked example
With the values preset in the calculator above: (Rectangle)
- Length
- 20 ft
- Width
- 10 ft
- Depth
- 4 in
- Material
- Topsoil
- Bag size
- 1.5 ft³ bags
- Extra for waste
- 5 %
- Soil needed
- 2.59 yd³ (70 ft³)
- Bags
- 47
- Weight
- 2.84 tons (5,681 lb)
- Estimated cost
- $90.74
How much soil for a raised bed?
An 8 × 4 ft bed 12 in deep holds 32 ft³ — 1.19 yd³ (32 ft³), or 22 bags of 1.5 ft³. Mix about 60 % topsoil, 30 % compost and 10 % perlite or grit.
Soil for raised beds
| Bed length (ft) | Bed width (ft) | Bed height (in) | Soil needed | Bags (1.5 ft³ bags) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 12 | 0.59 yd³ | 11 |
| 8 | 4 | 12 | 1.19 yd³ | 22 |
| 8 | 4 | 18 | 1.78 yd³ | 32 |
| 10 | 4 | 24 | 2.96 yd³ | 54 |
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a lawn?
Spread 4–6 in for a new lawn. 1,000 ft² at 4 in needs about 12.3 yd³.
How many bags of soil in a yard?
27 bags of 1 ft³, 18 of 1.5 ft³ or 13.5 of 2 ft³.
What is fill dirt used for?
Filling holes and raising grade under slabs or lawns. It has little organic matter, so top it with 4 in of topsoil for plants.
More calculators
Estimates only — check quantities with your supplier and local building code before you order.