20×20 ft lawn at 4 in (default depth)
Input
20 ft × 20 ft × 4 inOutput
148 cu ft · 4.94 cu yd400 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 12 = 148 cu ft. ÷ 27 = 4.94 yards — full truck load territory.
Topsoil volume is **area × depth**. For US gardeners, measure length and width in feet and leveling depth in inches.
**Imperial formula (rectangle):**
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ **324**
Equivalently: Cubic feet = Length × Width × Depth (in) ÷ 12, then ÷ 27 for yards.
**Example — 20×20 ft lawn patch, 4 in leveling layer:**
20 × 20 × 4 ÷ 324 = **4.94 cubic yards** (148 cu ft)
**Area-only mode:** If you know total square footage from a plat or pacing, multiply area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 for cubic feet, then ÷ 27 for yards.
**Coverage shortcut:** At 4 in depth, **1 cubic yard covers ~81 sq ft**. At 2 in skim, one yard covers ~162 sq ft. At 6 in fill, ~54 sq ft.
**Metric formula:**
Volume (m³) = Area (m²) × Depth (cm) ÷ 100
**Example — 50 m² lawn at 10 cm:**
50 × 0.10 = **5.0 m³** (5,000 liters)
Screened topsoil is sold **bulk by the cubic yard** or in **bagged cubic feet** (0.75–1.5 cu ft bags are common for lawn repair). Add **5–15% extra** for uneven grade, compaction when raking, and wheelbarrow spillage.
The calculator treats the leveled zone as a flat rectangular prism (or known area × depth). An optional buffer increases the order quantity for grade variation and compaction.
Formula
cu yd = L(ft) × W(ft) × D(in) ÷ 324 | cu ft = area(sq ft) × D(in) ÷ 12 | m³ = area(m²) × D(cm) ÷ 100Tap Skim coat (2 in), Lawn leveling (4 in), Bed base (4 in), Full lawn area, or Deep fill (6 in) — each sets depth and shows guidance. Use Quick presets for common lawn and bed sizes.
Rectangle mode for sections; total area for whole-yard estimates (e.g. 500 or 1000 sq ft). Measure only the zone receiving topsoil — not patios or driveways.
Depth presets (2 in skim, 4 in level, 6 in fill) sit on the main form. Bulk suppliers quote screened topsoil by the cubic yard — round up for truck minimums.
Enter bag size on the main form (1 cu ft lawn bags are common). Results show bag count, estimated bulk weight, compost layer reference, and bulk vs bag guidance.
After leveling, use the compost layer table for 1–2 in amendment on the same footprint. For overseeding, open Grass Seed Calculator — bare graded soil needs seed or sod.
Enable the buffer on the main form for bumpy lawns and wheelbarrow runs. Ten percent is the default; laser-leveled turf may need less.
Input
20 ft × 20 ft × 4 inOutput
148 cu ft · 4.94 cu yd400 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 12 = 148 cu ft. ÷ 27 = 4.94 yards — full truck load territory.
Input
10 ft × 10 ft × 4 inOutput
33.3 cu ft · 1.23 cu yd100 × 4 ÷ 12 = 33.3 cu ft — between bulk minimum and bagged retail.
Input
500 sq ft × 2 inOutput
83.3 cu ft · 3.09 cu ydLight skim for grade correction — 500 × 2 ÷ 12 = 83.3 cu ft.
Input
50 m² × 10 cmOutput
5.0 m³ · 5,000 L50 × 0.10 m depth = 5 cubic meters of screened topsoil.
Common real-world scenarios where this tool saves time.
A 20×20 ft low section at 4 in depth needs ~4.94 cu yd (148 cu ft). Ordering 5–6 yards with a 10% buffer covers grade dips. Bulk delivery is economical above 3 yards.
10×12 ft bed at 4 in topsoil before compost: 120 × 4 ÷ 12 = 40 cu ft → ~1.48 cu yd. Top with 2 in compost using Compost Calculator for the amendment layer.
300 sq ft at 2 in: 300 × 2 ÷ 12 = 50 cu ft → ~1.85 cu yd. Never bury tree flare — thin lifts only near trunks.
EU gardeners enter m² and cm for direct m³ and liter readouts when suppliers quote bulk bags in litres.
Step-by-step chains that connect related tools for common tasks.
From grade survey to sod or seed in four steps.
Square feet one loose cubic yard of topsoil covers at even depth.
| Depth | Sq ft per cu yd | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 | Light grade skim · overseed prep |
| 4 in | 81 | Standard lawn leveling · bed base |
| 6 in | 54 | Severe low spots · new bed rough fill |
| 8 in | 40.5 | Rough grade only — blend with compost below |
Formula: 324 ÷ depth (inches) = sq ft per cubic yard.
Approximate coverage per bag and bags needed per cubic yard.
| Bag size | Covers (sq ft) | Bags per cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 cu ft | 2.25 | 36 |
| 1 cu ft | 3 | 27 |
| 1.5 cu ft | 4.5 | 18 |
| 2 cu ft | 6 | 14 |
Coverage = bag cu ft ÷ (depth in ÷ 12). Round bag orders up.
| Depth | Imperial | Metric equivalent | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skim | 1–2 in | 2.5–5 cm | Minor grade correction |
| Standard level | 4 in | 10 cm | Lawn leveling · bed base (default) |
| Heavy fill | 6 in | 15 cm | Low spots — work in lifts |
| Structural (caution) | 8+ in | 20+ cm | Requires compaction plan · not turf in one pass |
Choose format based on volume, access, and project type.
| Volume needed | Best format | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 cu yd | Bagged retail | Higher $/cu ft, no delivery minimum |
| 1–3 cu yd | Compare bulk vs pallet | Delivery fee vs bag sale + your labor |
| 3+ cu yd | Bulk truck delivery | Lowest $/cu yd; needs driveway or tarp drop |
Screened topsoil prices vary by region and organic content.
Wet topsoil weighs far more per yard than dry. Always confirm **cubic yards** with your supplier.
Thick single layers smother turf and drain poorly. Use 2–4 in lifts, rake, water, and re-grade before adding more.
Cheap fill contains rocks and debris. Specify **screened topsoil** for lawns and garden beds.
Never pile topsoil against trunks. Keep the root flare visible — grade away from the trunk.
Topsoil over live weeds only delays the problem. Kill or remove vegetation before spreading.
Measure only the **turf or bed area** receiving soil, not driveways and patios.
Loose topsoil settles. Tamp in 2–4 in lifts for paths and berms; rake and roll lawns lightly.
Straight topsoil compacts. Blend with compost — use Garden Soil Calculator for total fill volume.
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At 4 in depth: 1000 × 4 ÷ 12 = 333 cu ft (~12.3 cu yd). At 2 in skim: ~167 cu ft (~6.2 cu yd). Use Full lawn area or the 1000 sq ft preset, then adjust depth for skim vs level.
Moist screened topsoil typically weighs about 1,800–2,400 lb per cubic yard depending on clay content and moisture. Always order by volume (cubic yards), not tons — wet soil is heavier per yard.
At 4 in depth (default), multiply square footage × 4 ÷ 12 for cubic feet, then ÷ 27 for yards. A 1,000 sq ft lawn section at 4 in needs ~123 cu ft or 4.6 cubic yards before buffer.
4 inches of quality topsoil over native grade is a common target for sod or seed. Existing lawns usually need only 1–2 in skim unless low spots are severe.
For lawn leveling: cubic yards = section length (ft) × width (ft) × lift depth (in) ÷ 324. Area mode: (total sq ft × depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Common lawn lifts are 2–4 in before overseeding.
One cubic yard = 27 cu ft. Divide 27 by bag size: 27 bags at 1 cu ft, 18 at 1.5 cu ft, 14 at 2 cu ft. Round up.
Divide 324 by depth in inches. At 4 in, one yard covers 81 sq ft. At 2 in, 162 sq ft. At 6 in, 54 sq ft.
Under ~1 cubic yard, bags are simpler for patch repair. Above 3 cubic yards, bulk delivery usually costs less per cubic foot for full-lawn projects.
Yes — especially on lawns after watering and foot traffic. A 10% buffer covers most residential leveling jobs.
Topsoil is native or screened mineral soil for grading and base layers. Garden soil is a blended product with compost for planting. Use this calculator for leveling; use Garden Soil Calculator for planting mixes.
At 4 in depth: 120 × 4 ÷ 12 = 40 cu ft (~1.48 cu yd). Add compost on top or blend before planting.
As part of a blend, yes — but not alone. Mix 40–60% topsoil with 30–40% compost and aeration. For 12 in fill inside frames, use Raised Bed Soil Calculator.
Your lawn and bed measurements remain private on your device; EverydayTools does not record, transmit, or store topsoil project dimensions entered in this calculator.
Volume estimates only — not civil engineering, drainage design, or commercial earthwork. Confirm order quantities and soil specifications with your supplier.
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Reviewed on 2026-06-27.
What are you doing?
4 in — standard lift before sod or seed on renovated turf (default).
Topsoil depth presets
Use case chips set depth — 2 in skim, 4 in lawn level, 6 in deep fill in lifts. Never bury tree root flares.
Bagged topsoil — often 0.75–1.5 cu ft for lawn repair. Leave blank to skip bag count.
1 cubic yard covers
| Depth | Sq ft |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 |
| 2 in | 162 |
| 3 in | 108 |
| 4 in | 81 |
Bag coverage at 4 in depth
| Bag | Covers | Per cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cu ft bag | 3 sq ft | 27 bags |
| 1.5 cu ft (40 L) | 5 sq ft | 18 bags |
| 2 cu ft bag | 6 sq ft | 14 bags |
| 3 cu ft bag | 9 sq ft | 9 bags |