How much topsoil do I need?

Multiply the length by the width of your area in feet to get square footage, then multiply by the depth in feet (inches ÷ 12). Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. For example, a 10×20 ft garden bed at 6 inches deep: 10 × 20 × 0.5 = 100 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3.70 cubic yards. Add 10% for settling — fresh topsoil compacts after watering and naturally settles over the first few weeks.

One cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 2,000–2,500 lbs depending on moisture content. For context, that’s about one ton. A standard pickup truck can safely carry about half a cubic yard. For larger projects, bulk delivery is safer and more economical.

How deep should topsoil be?

Depth depends on the project. Lawn topdressing: 1–2 inches. New lawn from seed: 4–6 inches. Garden beds and flowers: 6 inches. Vegetable gardens: 8–12 inches for most vegetables, 18 inches for deep-root crops like carrots and parsnips. Raised beds: fill to the rim, typically 8–12 inches. Soil settles 10–15% after watering, so add a little extra.

Should I buy bags or bulk topsoil?

For projects under 1 cubic yard (about 27 cubic feet or 14 bags of 2-cu-ft soil), bags are convenient and easy to transport. Over 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery saves 40–60% per cubic yard. Bulk topsoil costs $25–50 per cubic yard plus $50–100 delivery fee. Bagged topsoil costs $3–7 per bag, which works out to $40–95 per cubic yard — significantly more expensive at scale.

Frequently asked questions