Topsoil Calculator
Calculate topsoil volume, cubic yards or metres, bag quantity, bulk loads and material cost for lawns and raised areas.
Default project preview
2.72 yd³
Bag quantity
74 bags
Base volume
2.47 yd³
Coverage area
200 ft²
Bulk cost
$114.07
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Area length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 20 ft.
Area width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 10 ft.
Soil depth
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 4 in.
Settlement allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Volume per bag
Enter this project assumption in ft³. The current imperial default is 1 ft³.
Bulk price
Enter this project assumption in per yd³. The current imperial default is 42 per yd³. Minimum: 0.
Price per bag
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 3.5. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Bag quantity
1 ft³ each. Default preview: 74 bags.
Base volume
before settlement. Default preview: 2.47 yd³.
Coverage area
surface area. Default preview: 200 ft².
Bulk cost
using entered rate. Default preview: $114.07.
Bag cost
rounded full bags. Default preview: $259.00.
Bulk load fraction
typical truck capacity. Default preview: 0.27.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Volume = length × width × depth. Order volume = volume × settlement factor. Bags = round up (order volume ÷ bag volume).
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 29, 2026
Use this calculator to estimate topsoil volume, loose delivery quantity and truckloads from area, target depth and settlement allowance. Soil quality, amendment needs and drainage must be evaluated separately.
Calculation steps
- 1Measure the receiving area.
- 2Choose the finished soil depth.
- 3Convert area × depth to volume.
- 4Apply settlement allowance and round delivery units upward.
Worked numerical example
A 2,500 ft² lawn receiving 4 in of topsoil needs 30.86 yd³ compacted. With 15% settlement allowance, order about 35.5 yd³, or three 12 yd³ truckloads.
Purchasing and rounding
Suppliers sell by volume or truckload. Confirm whether quoted yards are loose, screened and delivered, and whether partial loads are available.
Interpret the result
The ordered loose volume is larger than finished volume because handling and settlement reduce depth after placement.
Page-specific assumptions
- Uniform placement depth.
- Area is reasonably level.
- Settlement allowance suits the material.
- No excavation displacement is deducted.
Common mistakes
- Mixing inches and feet.
- Using compacted volume as delivery volume.
- Ignoring access limits for trucks.
- Assuming all topsoil has equal quality.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Topsoil Calculator questions
How deep should new topsoil be?+
The required depth depends on the existing soil and intended planting. Lawn repairs may use a thin layer, while new beds can require several inches.
Why include settlement allowance?+
Loose soil settles after spreading and watering, so an allowance helps reach the intended finished grade.
Are cubic yards and tonnes interchangeable?+
No. Weight depends on soil composition and moisture. This calculator estimates volume.