Topsoil Calculator
Estimate topsoil by area and desired depth in cubic feet and cubic yards, with an optional whole-bag estimate using your product’s volume.
Instant estimate · No sign-up · Your measurements stay in your browser
Project details
Enter your measurements
Enter your project measurements. Planning defaults are identified where used. After your first calculation, edits update the estimate automatically.
Project estimate
Results
Enter your measurements, then select Calculate.
How to use this calculator
Use the intended finished depth to estimate loose topsoil for a rectangular area. Quick depth suggestions are available, and an optional bag-volume field can use the size printed on your chosen product.
- Measure the treatment area in feet or inches.
- Enter the desired soil depth; the suggestion list is optional.
- Choose an extra percentage for grading variation and settling.
- Use cubic yards for bulk orders, or enter the cubic-foot volume printed on a bag to estimate whole bags.
Formula and methodology
Area = length × width. Convert depth to feet, then volume = area × depth. Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards and add the selected buffer only to the purchase recommendation. When bag volume is entered, whole bags = recommended cubic feet ÷ volume per bag, rounded up.
Important: This tool estimates volume only and does not recommend soil type, amendment, or planting depth.
How accurate is this estimate?
Area and geometric volume are calculated directly from your measurements. Settling, grading variation, and extra material are represented only by the percentage you select. A bag count appears only when you enter product-specific bag volume; confirm that volume or the supplier’s bulk ordering unit before buying.
Worked example
A 15 ft × 10 ft area at 4 in deep needs 50 cu ft, or about 1.85 cu yd. With 10% extra, plan for 55 cu ft, or about 2.04 cu yd. If the selected product contains 1 cu ft per bag, that is 55 whole bags.
Before you buy
- Confirm whether a supplier quotes loose or compacted volume.
- For slopes or uneven grade, take multiple depth measurements instead of relying on one point.
- Product bag volumes differ, so enter the size printed on the bag rather than assuming a universal package.
Frequently asked questions
What soil depth should I use?
Use the depth required by your specific grading, filling, or planting plan. The calculator offers common quick entries but does not prescribe an agronomic depth.
Why add extra topsoil?
An allowance can help account for low spots, settlement, and small measurement differences. You can set it to zero.
Does a cubic yard equal 27 cubic feet?
Yes. That is the fixed conversion used for the volume result.
Why is the bag-volume field optional?
Bag sizes vary by product. Leave it blank for a volume-only estimate, or enter the cubic-foot volume printed on your selected bag for a whole-bag estimate.