Mulch CalculatorHow much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the length and width of the area in feet, then multiply by the depth in feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A bed 8 feet by 4 feet, filled 6 inches deep, needs 8 x 4 x 0.5 = 16 cubic feet. That is 0.59 cubic yards, or 8 bags of 2 cubic feet.
To get weight, multiply cubic yards by the weight of one yard. Ask Extension puts soil at about 2,000 pounds a yard and compost at about 1,000 pounds (Ask Extension). The New Hampshire DES lists finished compost at 1,400 pounds a yard (NH DES). Moisture makes a big difference, so ask your supplier.
Raised bed soil
Illinois Extension says raised beds are often 6 to 12 inches tall, or 24 inches for people who garden from a wheelchair. It suggests filling them with a mix of about half compost and half topsoil (Illinois Extension).
| Bed size (ft) | Height | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | 2 cu ft bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 4 | 12 in | 16 | 0.59 | 8 |
| 4 x 8 | 6 in | 16 | 0.59 | 8 |
| 4 x 8 | 12 in | 32 | 1.19 | 16 |
| 6 x 3 | 12 in | 18 | 0.67 | 9 |
| 4 x 12 | 18 in | 72 | 2.67 | 36 |
Soil settles after watering, so the tool adds 10% by default. Set it to 0 if you only want the exact volume. Our raised bed soil guide goes into more detail.
Topsoil or compost for a lawn
For a thin top dressing, use the "I know the square feet" option and a small depth. NC State Extension notes that one cubic yard of compost spread 1 inch deep covers about 324 square feet (NC State Extension). That matches the math: 27 cubic feet x 12 / 1 inch = 324.
| Depth | Sq ft per cubic yard | Yards per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 in | 1,296 | 0.77 |
| 0.5 in | 648 | 1.54 |
| 1 in | 324 | 3.09 |
| 2 in | 162 | 6.17 |
| 4 in | 81 | 12.35 |
Hauling topsoil home
Soil is heavy. An Ask Extension expert notes that a standard pickup can carry only about 1,000 pounds without overloading. That is about half a yard of soil, or about a full yard of compost. For more than that, pay for delivery.
Bulk or bags?
Bags are easy for small jobs and tight spaces. Bulk is often better when you need a yard or more. To compare, find the cost per cubic yard for each. For 2 cubic foot bags, multiply the bag price by 13.5. For 1 cubic foot bags, multiply by 27.
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FAQ
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Ask Extension puts a cubic yard of soil at about 2,000 pounds, or 1 ton, and a yard of compost at about 1,000 pounds. Wet soil weighs more. The tool uses 1 ton per yard by default, and you can change it to match your supplier.
How much soil do I need for a raised bed?
Multiply length, width and height in feet to get cubic feet. Illinois Extension gives the example of a bed 6 feet long, 3 feet wide and 1 foot deep, which needs 18 cubic feet. That is 0.67 cubic yards, or 9 bags of 2 cubic feet.
How much topsoil do I need to fill low spots in a lawn?
Measure the low area and its average depth, then enter both above. Thin layers add up quickly. One cubic yard covers only 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 324 square feet at 1 inch.
What soil mix should I use in a raised bed?
Illinois Extension suggests a mix of about half compost and half topsoil. An Ask Extension expert suggests buying topsoil and compost apart and blending them yourself, so you know the source. Only a lab test can confirm soil is free of heavy metals.