Topsoil Calculator
Topsoil Calculator
Topsoil is lighter and less dense than sand or gravel because of its organic content, so a straightforward volume calculation needs a different weight conversion than other landscaping materials. Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you're covering — a new lawn, a raised bed, or a regrading project — and this calculator estimates both the volume and the weight you'll need to order, in cubic yards and tons or cubic meters and tonnes. Since topsoil typically settles after spreading, many people order a bit extra beyond the raw calculated volume.
- Imperial: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27; Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.0. Example: 20×15 ft at 4 in = 3.70 cubic yards ≈ 3.70 tons.
- Metric: Cubic Meters = Length × Width × (Depth in cm ÷ 100); Tonnes = Cubic Meters × 1.2. Example: 6×4.5 m at 10 cm = 2.7 m³ ≈ 3.24 tonnes.
- Density is an estimate in both systems — topsoil is lighter than sand or gravel due to its organic content.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
4-6 inches is a common depth for establishing a new lawn from seed or sod.
Will topsoil settle after spreading?
Yes — loose topsoil typically settles by 10-20% after rain and time, so some ordering extra is common practice.
Topsoil Calculator
Topsoil is lighter and less dense than sand or gravel because of its organic content, so a straightforward volume calculation needs a different weight conversion than other landscaping materials. Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you're covering — a new lawn, a raised bed, or a regrading project — and this calculator estimates both the volume and the weight you'll need to order, in cubic yards and tons or cubic meters and tonnes. Since topsoil typically settles after spreading, many people order a bit extra beyond the raw calculated volume.
- Imperial: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27; Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.0. Example: 20×15 ft at 4 in = 3.70 cubic yards ≈ 3.70 tons.
- Metric: Cubic Meters = Length × Width × (Depth in cm ÷ 100); Tonnes = Cubic Meters × 1.2. Example: 6×4.5 m at 10 cm = 2.7 m³ ≈ 3.24 tonnes.
- Density is an estimate in both systems — topsoil is lighter than sand or gravel due to its organic content.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
4-6 inches is a common depth for establishing a new lawn from seed or sod.
Will topsoil settle after spreading?
Yes — loose topsoil typically settles by 10-20% after rain and time, so some ordering extra is common practice.