# Topsoil Calculator

Area and depth to yards, tons and bags.

- Page: https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/topsoil-yardage
- Category: Earthwork (https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/c/earthwork)
- Chinese version: https://jianzhujisuan.com/zh/topsoil-yardage.md
- Data checked: 2026-10-25

## Quick result

With the default inputs (Area 500 ft², Spread depth 4 in, Settlement Will settle (+15%)): **Topsoil required 7.10 yd³**

## Inputs

| Parameter | Type | Default | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area | number | 500 | ft² |  |
| Spread depth | number | 4 | in |  |
| Settlement | select | Will settle (+15%) | — |  |

## Formula

- **Volume (ft³) = area × depth/12**: 
- **Order = volume × 1.15**: settlement allowance
- **Cubic yards = order ÷ 27**: 
- **Tons = order × 100 ÷ 2000**: topsoil ≈ 100 lb/ft³

## Worked example

500 ft² of lawn at 4 in: 166.7 ft³ design, 191.7 ft³ with settlement = 7.1 cubic yards, about 9.6 tons. At this size order bulk - bags would be 128 of them.

## Questions

### What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?

Topsoil is stripped surface soil, usually 2-10% organic matter, fine for lawns and general planting. Garden soil is a blended mix with compost, peat or sand added, higher in organic matter and better structured, and typically more than double the price. Beds and vegetable plots justify garden soil; bulk filling is better with topsoil. Ask for the clay and organic content - topsoil high in clay sets like concrete.

### What prep does the ground need?

Rough grade and firm the existing ground first, since loose ground lets the new layer keep settling, and clear weeds and stones. If the subsoil is compacted, loosen 2-3 in and mix it with the new layer - laying straight onto it creates a boundary that sheds water and stops roots descending. Then rake level, firm lightly and water thoroughly so settlement happens once.

### Why is buying by the ton a bad deal?

Because soil is sold by weight when what you need is volume. After rain, moisture goes from about 10% to 25%, so a ton occupies 10% less volume. The yard scale will not tell you how wet that batch is. Buy by the cubic yard where you can, or wait a few dry days after rain.

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