Topsoil cost calculator
Work out the volume of topsoil including settling, then apply your price per cubic yard or metre plus delivery.
Purchase quantity
5.75 m³
Net measurement: 5 m³ · Waste 15 %
- Topsoil5.75 m³ · ₹201.25
- Delivery1 trip · ₹60.00
Indicative estimate: ₹261.25
Your prices per language/currency. Used when you enable “Use my prices” in calculators. My prices →
How it's calculated (visible formula)
volume = area × depth × (1 + settling); cost = volume × price + delivery
- 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
- Work out the topsoil volume including settling.
- Multiply by the price per yard or per bulk bag.
- Add delivery or crane cost.
- Add spreading, rolling and debris removal.
- Apply your margin and tax in the final quote.
Worked example: 540 sq ft at 4 in, $35 per m³
- 5 m³ + 15% = 5.75 m³ (7.5 yd³)
- 5.75 × $35 = $201 + $60 delivery
→ About $261.
Common mistakes
- Comparing screened and unscreened soil at the same price.
- Forgetting delivery or truck access.
- Leaving out spreading and rolling.
Pro tips
- Offer a compost-blended topsoil as an upgrade.
- For difficult access, price a compact loader or conveyor.
- Charge site prep (clearing, tilling) separately.
- Check soil quality on arrival before spreading.
From calculation to quote
Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.
FAQs
- How much is a yard of topsoil?
- It varies a lot with quality and region — enter your supplier's price.
- Sold by the yard or the ton?
- Usually by the cubic yard or by the bulk bag.
- What about labor?
- Add it with the labor and margin calculator.
- How much does it cost to prepare a new lawn?
- Soil + prep + seed or sod + labor — soil is often a big share.
- Is topsoil sold by the ton?
- Sometimes; a yard weighs roughly 1–1.3 tons.
- Does the price per yard include delivery?
- Rarely — ask for the delivery fee.
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.