How to Calculate Topsoil
What is Topsoil?
A topsoil calculator determines how many cubic yards of topsoil you need to cover a garden bed, lawn, or landscaping area. Topsoil is the upper 2–8 inches of soil — the biologically active layer where plants grow.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Volume = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) / 324 = cubic yards
- 2For lawns: 3–4 inches of topsoil for seeding; 1–2 inches for topdressing
- 3For garden beds: 6–8 inches of quality topsoil
- 4Weight: topsoil weighs ~1.1–1.5 tons per cubic yard (depending on moisture)
Worked Examples
Input
Garden bed 10 ft × 8 ft · 6 in deep
Result
≈ 1.48 cubic yards topsoil needed
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