Soil Calculator
Estimate soil cubic yards, tons, bags, and bulk cost for lawns, beds, and fill areas.
Project Details
Project preset
New lawn
4" typical
4 inches of workable topsoil before seed or sod.
Length (ft)
Width (ft)
Depth (inches)
Material
Screened topsoil
Best for lawn prep, planting areas, and the final layer over fill dirt.
10% for settling and uneven edges
Ready to calculate
Enter dimensions or choose a preset.
Last updated May 29, 2026 by our expert review team
Soil Buying Guide
Expert Contributors
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
See full profileHawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated May 2026
How we verify our calculatorsSoil Layers by Project
Most soil mistakes come from using the right material in the wrong layer. Build grade with fill dirt, grow roots in topsoil, and use compost as an amendment.
Use fill dirt for shape, topsoil for roots, compost as a thin amendment, and potting mix only in containers.
Coverage by Depth
1,296 sq ft
Compost topdress
324 sq ft
Light leveling
81 sq ft
Lawn prep
54 sq ft
Garden beds
27 sq ft
Deep planting
Coverage shown for 1 cubic yard before waste. Deeper layers shrink coverage quickly.
Quick Reference
- 1 cubic yard
- 27 cu ft
- 1 yd³ topsoil
- ~1.1 tons
- 1 yd³ fill dirt
- ~1.3 tons
- 1 yd³ compost
- ~0.6 tons
- 1 cu ft bags
- 27 per yd³
- 2 cu ft bags
- 14 per yd³
Pro Tips
Use fill dirt for bulk grade changes, then reserve topsoil for the top planting layer.
For raised beds, blend topsoil with compost instead of filling the whole bed with bagged garden soil. The raised bed soil calculator handles mix ratios.
After soil is spread, protect beds with mulch. It slows crusting and helps new plantings stay evenly moist.
Test soil before heavy compost or fertilizer use. Too much phosphorus can be a real garden problem, even when the material is organic.
For topdressing an existing lawn, think in fractions of an inch. A thin compost layer is useful; a thick layer can smother turf.
How the Calculator Works
Enter the footprint and soil depth. The calculator converts depth to feet, adds your waste factor for settling and irregular edges, then converts the result to cubic yards, tons, and bag counts.
Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length x Width x (Depth in inches / 12) x (1 + Waste %)
Cubic yards = Cubic feet / 27
Estimated tons = Cubic yards x material density
Bulk or Bags?
Under 1 yd³
Bags can be simpler if access is tight.
1 to 3 yd³
Price both. Bulk often wins if delivery is reasonable.
3+ yd³
Bulk delivery is usually the practical choice.
How Much Dirt Do I Need?
Dirt estimates depend on what the material is doing. Use fill dirt for shape and grade, then use topsoil, garden soil, or compost only where plants need to grow.
Fill low spots
fill dirt
Add extra for settling and final grading.
New lawn surface
screened topsoil
Plan a growing layer before seed or sod.
Garden beds
garden soil blend
Mix mineral soil with compost for root growth.
Practical Soil Examples
Flower bed refresh
12 x 4 ft at 4 inGarden soil or topsoil works. Mix compost into existing soil if nutrients are low.
Volume
0.65 yd³
1 cu ft bags
18 bags
New lawn prep
20 x 10 ft at 4 inBulk screened topsoil is easier than hauling dozens of bags.
Volume
2.72 yd³
1 cu ft bags
74 bags
Thin compost topdress
1,000 sq ft at 1/4 inA thin layer feeds the surface without burying grass blades.
Volume
0.85 yd³
1 cu ft bags
23 bags
Low spot before sod
20 x 8 ft at 6 inUse fill dirt below, then cap with a planting layer before sod.
Volume
3.26 yd³
1 cu ft bags
88 bags
Soil Mistakes That Cost You Money
Using topsoil as structural fill
Topsoil is too valuable and too organic for deep grade changes. Use fill dirt below and topsoil on the surface.
Skipping the soil test
A test keeps you from adding compost, lime, sulfur, or fertilizer that your soil does not need.
Spreading compost too thick on turf
For lawns, keep compost topdressing thin. Heavy layers can smother grass.
Forgetting settling
Loose soil settles after watering and foot traffic. Keep 10% extra in the estimate for most projects.
Common Questions
How much soil do I need?
Multiply length by width by depth, then convert to cubic yards. The calculator adds your waste factor before showing bulk yards, tons, and bag counts.
How much dirt do I need?
For fill dirt, measure the low area, multiply length by width by fill depth, then add 10% to 15% for settling and grading. Use topsoil only for the planting layer.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?
For a new lawn, 4 to 6 inches of good topsoil is a common planning range. Existing soil quality can change that number.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Fill dirt is for raising grade and filling low spots. Topsoil is the final planting layer where roots, seed, or sod need organic matter.
When should I buy bags instead of bulk?
Bags are tidy for small jobs under about 1 cubic yard. Bulk is usually better once the count gets into dozens of bags.
Can I use compost as soil?
Use compost as an amendment or topdress. For most beds, blend it with mineral soil rather than using compost alone.
How many bags are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. That means 27 one-cubic-foot bags, or about 14 two-cubic-foot bags, before waste.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Screened topsoil is often estimated around 1.1 tons per cubic yard, but moisture and texture can move that number.
Is potting mix the same as garden soil?
No. Potting mix is lighter and drains quickly in containers. In-ground beds need mineral soil plus organic matter.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.