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Topsoil Calculator

Estimate cubic yards of topsoil needed for a garden bed or lawn area, at a given fill depth.

Computed in your browser — nothing you enter is uploaded. Figures are presented in United States units and terminology, and each formula’s basis is cited under regulatory standards below.

Last verified 2026-08-25 · v1.0.0

Market
Imperial · sales tax
10 ft4 ft8 in
Schematic, drawn to the proportions you entered — not to scale on screen.

Estimated topsoil needed

0.9877 cubic yards

High confidence
Area
40 ft²

Running these inputs gives 0.99 cubic yards as the result. Currently reading for United States — pick a different market above and the figures re-cast accordingly.

Estimated cost — your price

This site holds no price list for this material — local prices vary too much to publish honestly. Enter your supplier's price and the result is costed with it.

Preliminary estimate, not certified engineering. This tool produces an indicative quantity calculation for planning purposes only — it is not a certified structural analysis, a guaranteed material takeoff, or a substitute for building department approval. Always verify measurements on-site and have a licensed contractor or structural engineer review any load-bearing, code-sensitive, or safety-critical work before purchasing materials or starting construction. Spotted an arithmetic or standards error? Report it to contact@craftquantities.com with your inputs — a confirmed fix gets a permanent check of its own, so the same mistake cannot come back.

Presented in US customary units and US trade terminology. Where a formula follows a published standard, that standard and its edition are cited beside it on this page; where none governs, the page says so. Local amendments override model codes — verify against the code in force where you build.

Regulatory standards & verification citations

  • Garden beds commonly use 6-12 in of topsoil depth, deeper than typical mulch (2-4 in) or gravel base applications

Your workspace

Most jobs need more than one number. Add the calculators you need next and they open right here, underneath this one — your figures stay on screen and nothing is lost to a page change.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from the Mulch & Gravel Calculator?
Same underlying volume math, but topsoil fills are typically much deeper (6-12 in for garden beds vs 2-4 in for mulch top-dressing) — different real-world use case with different typical inputs.
Should I mix in compost or amendments?
Many gardeners blend topsoil with compost (commonly 50/50 or 70/30) for better fertility — if so, calculate the topsoil and compost portions separately based on your target ratio.
Does topsoil settle after filling?
Yes, somewhat, especially after the first watering and over the first season — ordering a bit extra or planning for a top-up later is common practice.