Topsoil Calculator

Enter the area and how deep you want the topsoil once spread. Bulk topsoil is usually sold by the cubic yard; bags are labeled in cubic feet.

How it works

Cubic feet = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 (the Extension formula V = area × depth in feet ÷ 27). Bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size, rounded up. 1 cu yd = 0.7646 m³ (NIST).

Worked example: Virginia Cooperative Extension (Henrico County) example: 6 in of topsoil over 110 × 95 ft = 10,450 sq ft × 0.5 ft = 5,225 cu ft ÷ 27 = 193.5 cubic yards.

Assumptions

Even depth over the whole area. Measure irregular areas as rectangles and add them in the extra-area box, or use the square footage calculator.
Depth is your choice. The University of Arkansas sod guide notes about 19 cubic yards make a 6 in layer over 1,000 sq ft where topsoil must be added.
Loose soil settles after spreading and watering. The allowance defaults to 0%; ask your supplier how much extra they suggest.
Soil weight varies with moisture, so this page does not convert to tons. Ask your supplier for tons per cubic yard if they sell by weight; the gravel calculator accepts a custom factor.
The waste allowance is an editable JobsiteCalc default, not an industry standard. Ask your supplier what extra they suggest for your job.

Frequently asked questions

How much topsoil do I need for 1,000 square feet?

At 6 in deep, 1,000 × 6 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 18.5 cubic yards; the University of Arkansas rounds this to about 19. At 4 in it is 12.3 cubic yards.

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard of topsoil?

27. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.

How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?

27 one-cubic-foot bags, 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft, or 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft.

Related calculators

Sources

Formulas and reference values are from these sources. Page content last updated 2026-10-19.