Topsoil calculator
Area, depth and settling: you get the volume of topsoil to order, the 1 m³ bulk bags and an approximate weight.
Purchase quantity
5.75 m³
Net measurement: 5 m³ · Waste 15 %
- Topsoil in 1 m³ bulk bags6 bulk bag
- Approximate weight7.48 t
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How it's calculated (visible formula)
volume = area × depth × (1 + settling); tons = volume × density
- Net geometric measurement, no waste.
- Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
- Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).
How to calculate it, step by step
- Measure the area to cover or level.
- Pick depth: 4–6 in for lawns, 8–12 in for gardens or raised beds.
- Work out the volume and add 10–20% for settling.
- Round up to bulk bags or truckloads.
- Work out weight if you'll haul it on a trailer.
Worked example: 540 sq ft new lawn at 4 in
- 540 sq ft × 4 in ≈ 6.5 yd³ (5 m³)
- +15% settling → 7.5 yd³
→ About 7.5 yd³ (≈ 8 tons).
Common mistakes
- Ignoring settling: soil drops after watering.
- Spreading over compacted ground without loosening it.
- Buying unscreened soil full of stones and roots.
Pro tips
- Loosen the base soil before spreading so the layers bond.
- Ask for screened topsoil free of weed seeds.
- Water and let it settle a few days before seeding or laying sod.
- Test pH if you're planting demanding species.
From calculation to quote
Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.
FAQs
- How much topsoil for a lawn?
- 4–6 in of screened topsoil.
- How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
- About 1–1.3 tons depending on moisture.
- How much does topsoil settle?
- Roughly 10–20% after watering and foot traffic.
- How much soil for a 4 × 8 ft raised bed?
- At 12 in deep, about 1.2 yd³ plus 15% for settling.
- Topsoil or garden soil?
- Topsoil is for grading and lawns; garden soil is richer, for beds.
- How long does topsoil take to settle?
- One to two weeks with a couple of deep waterings.
Sources and standards
Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.