Topsoil Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons and Depth
Calculate loose delivered topsoil for grading, lawn preparation, or bed improvement using finished coverage dimensions and settlement.
What does the topsoil calculator calculate?
Topsoil volume equals area times the added finished depth. Because loose screened soil settles, increase the finished cubic yards by a settlement allowance before applying waste. The default weight is 1.1 tons per cubic yard, but soil texture and moisture can change truck weight substantially.
Loose topsoil delivery formula
Finished volume describes the soil after placement. Settlement adds loose volume that may consolidate, and density translates the adjusted order into a preliminary delivery weight.
How to measure for an accurate estimate
- Measure the actual receiving area and subtract buildings, paving, and established beds not being amended.
- Use several grade checks to estimate the average added depth instead of measuring only the lowest point.
- Calculate deep depressions separately so a broad average does not overstate the entire site.
- Ask the supplier for loose bulk density at representative moisture and expected settlement.
Topsoil for lawn preparation
A 40 ft by 25 ft lawn receives 2 in finished topsoil, with 15% settlement, 5% waste, and 1.1 tons/yd³.
The finished volume is 6.17 yd³; order about 7.45 loose yd³, estimated at 8.20 tons.Before you purchase material
- Inspect or test topsoil for texture, organic matter, pH, and contaminants appropriate to the use.
- Confirm whether screened soil, blended planting soil, and fill are distinct products at the supplier.
- Avoid placing or trafficking wet soil because compaction can damage pore structure.
- Check truck access, overhead clearance, ground capacity, and a protected delivery location.
Common questions
How much area does one cubic yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard theoretically covers 324 square feet at 1 inch, 162 square feet at 2 inches, 108 square feet at 3 inches, or 81 square feet at 4 inches. Settlement and uneven grading mean delivered coverage may be lower.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
This tool defaults to 1.1 tons per loose cubic yard, but actual weight varies widely with texture, organic content, screening, and especially moisture. Use the supplier’s current conversion when truck payload, structural loading, or purchase-by-ton accuracy matters.
Is topsoil the same as garden soil?
Not necessarily. Topsoil generally describes an upper soil material, while commercial garden soil may be a formulated blend of mineral soil, compost, and other amendments. Names are not standardized everywhere, so evaluate specifications and test results rather than relying on the label.
How much settlement should I allow for topsoil?
The default 15% is a preliminary planning value. Loose soil’s settlement depends on texture, moisture, handling, placement depth, and traffic. Ask the supplier or landscape professional for local experience and avoid intentional heavy compaction in root-zone soil unless the design requires it.
Sources and reference standards
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service — Soil Health Fact SheetsCurrent federal guidance on soil function, structure, health, and management.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — SI Units: VolumeFederal reference for volume units and unit relationships.