How It Works
- Choose your material — topsoil, compost, or a 50/50 garden soil mix.
- Select your area shape: rectangular, circular, or enter square footage directly for irregular areas.
- Enter dimensions and the desired depth in inches.
- Read your results instantly. The calculator adds a 10% settling buffer so you don't come up short.
Recommended Topsoil Depth
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn top-dressing | 1–2 inches | Overseeding, leveling low spots |
| New lawn from seed | 4–6 inches | Bare dirt, new construction yard |
| Flower beds | 6–8 inches | Annuals, perennials, bulbs |
| Raised garden beds | 8–12 inches | Vegetables, herbs, deep-root crops |
| Tree & shrub planting | 12+ inches | Backfill around root ball |
Topsoil vs Compost vs Garden Mix
| Property | Topsoil | Compost | Garden Mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight per yd³ | ~2,200 lbs | ~1,000 lbs | ~1,600 lbs |
| Bulk cost per yd³ | $25–$40 | $30–$50 | $35–$55 |
| Nutrients | Low–medium | High | Medium–high |
| Drainage | Variable (depends on clay content) | Excellent | Good |
| Best use | Filling, grading, lawn base | Amending beds, mulching | Raised beds, new garden areas |
When to use each:Use straight topsoil for filling and grading. Use compost to improve existing soil or as mulch. Use a garden mix (50/50 topsoil and compost) when building new planting areas from scratch — it gives you structure and nutrients in one delivery.
FAQ
How many cubic yards of topsoil do I need for 1,000 sq ft?
It depends on depth. At 2 inches deep, you need about 6.2 cubic yards. At 4 inches, about 12.3 cubic yards. At 6 inches, about 18.5 cubic yards. Use the calculator above for exact numbers with a settling buffer.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Screened topsoil weighs roughly 2,200 pounds (1.1 tons) per cubic yard. Wet topsoil can weigh up to 3,000 lbs per yard. Compost is much lighter at about 1,000 lbs per cubic yard.
Should I use topsoil or garden soil for raised beds?
A garden mix (50/50 topsoil and compost) is ideal for raised beds. Pure topsoil is too dense and drains poorly. Pure compost settles too much over time. The blend gives you good drainage, nutrients, and structure.
How much does a truckload of topsoil cost?
A standard dump truck holds 10–14 cubic yards. At $25–$40 per yard for screened topsoil, a full truck runs $250–$560 plus delivery ($50–$150 depending on distance). Always cheaper per yard than buying bags.
Related Calculators
- Soil Volume Calculator — for raised beds and containers
- Mulch Calculator — figure out how many yards of mulch you need
- How to Fill a Raised Bed — step-by-step guide with soil layering tips
Prices shown are approximate 2026 U.S. averages and may vary significantly by region, retailer, and market conditions. Always get local quotes for accurate pricing.