Topsoil Calculator
Find out exactly how much topsoil you need — cubic yards, tons, and total cost — in seconds. Perfect for new lawns, raised beds, gardens, and landscaping projects.
Reviewed by MyProjectCost Team
Key takeaway: Topsoil costs $20–$90 per cubic yard depending on type, with bulk delivery ($20–$55/yard) costing 60–70% less than bagged topsoil ($90/yard equivalent). A 20×40 ft garden at 4 inches deep needs about 9.88 cubic yards.
Definition: Topsoil cost is the total price of material and delivery needed to cover a lawn, garden bed, or raised bed — calculated from area size, desired depth, and topsoil type (standard, screened, or blended garden mix). This calculator estimates cubic yards, tons, bags, and total cost.
Who should use this calculator? This topsoil calculator is designed for homeowners, landscapers, and gardeners estimating topsoil quantity and cost for a new lawn, raised garden bed, or landscaping project before ordering material.
Topsoil Cost Per Cubic Yard by Type
| Topsoil Type | Low ($/yd³) | Average ($/yd³) | High ($/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt | $8 | $15 | $22 |
| Standard Topsoil | $20 | $30 | $45 |
| Screened Topsoil | $28 | $38 | $52 |
| Premium Screened | $40 | $58 | $78 |
| Blended Garden Mix | $35 | $55 | $80 |
| Organic Compost Mix | $45 | $65 | $90 |
Topsoil Cost Per Cubic Yard by State (2026)
Average bulk screened topsoil price per cubic yard, delivered. Bagged topsoil costs 3–5× more per cubic yard.
| State | Low ($/yd³) | Average ($/yd³) | High ($/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| Alaska | $48 | $72 | $105 |
| Arizona | $24 | $36 | $52 |
| Arkansas | $16 | $25 | $38 |
| California | $38 | $56 | $80 |
| Colorado | $25 | $38 | $56 |
| Connecticut | $34 | $50 | $72 |
| Delaware | $30 | $45 | $65 |
| Florida | $21 | $32 | $48 |
| Georgia | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| Hawaii | $58 | $85 | $122 |
| Idaho | $21 | $32 | $48 |
| Illinois | $20 | $30 | $45 |
| Indiana | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| Iowa | $16 | $25 | $38 |
| Kansas | $16 | $25 | $38 |
| Kentucky | $17 | $26 | $39 |
| Louisiana | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| Maine | $32 | $48 | $70 |
| Maryland | $29 | $44 | $64 |
| Massachusetts | $38 | $56 | $80 |
| Michigan | $21 | $32 | $48 |
| Minnesota | $22 | $34 | $50 |
| Mississippi | $16 | $25 | $38 |
| Missouri | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| Montana | $22 | $34 | $50 |
| Nebraska | $17 | $26 | $39 |
| Nevada | $28 | $42 | $62 |
| New Hampshire | $32 | $48 | $70 |
| New Jersey | $35 | $52 | $75 |
| New Mexico | $22 | $33 | $50 |
| New York | $39 | $58 | $84 |
| North Carolina | $20 | $30 | $45 |
| North Dakota | $18 | $27 | $40 |
| Ohio | $20 | $30 | $45 |
| Oklahoma | $17 | $26 | $39 |
| Oregon | $31 | $46 | $68 |
| Pennsylvania | $25 | $38 | $56 |
| Rhode Island | $35 | $52 | $75 |
| South Carolina | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| South Dakota | $17 | $26 | $39 |
| Tennessee | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| Texas | $20 | $30 | $45 |
| Utah | $24 | $36 | $52 |
| Vermont | $32 | $48 | $70 |
| Virginia | $25 | $38 | $56 |
| Washington | $31 | $46 | $68 |
| West Virginia | $18 | $28 | $42 |
| Wisconsin | $21 | $32 | $48 |
| Wyoming | $21 | $32 | $48 |
How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Topsoil quantity is calculated in cubic yards: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27. For a 20 × 40 foot garden at 4 inches deep, that is (20 × 40 × 4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 9.88 cubic yards. To convert to tons, multiply by 1.35 (topsoil weighs ~1,080–1,350 lbs per cubic yard). To find 40 lb bags, multiply cubic yards by 18. Our calculator computes all three instantly so you can compare bulk delivery versus bagged options at your local home improvement store.
One practical tip: always order 10% more than your calculated amount. Topsoil settles 10–20% after watering and compaction, and slight variations in depth across an uneven area use more than expected. For projects over 5 cubic yards, bulk delivery almost always costs less than buying bags.
How Deep Should Topsoil Be?
Depth requirements vary significantly by application. Using too little creates shallow, drought-stressed plants; too much wastes money and can cause drainage problems:
- Lawn topdressing: 1/4–1/2 inch (0.25–0.5 inches). Used to fill low spots, improve soil texture, and work in overseeded grass. Rake in lightly — do not bury existing grass blades.
- New lawn from seed or sod: 4–6 inches. Grass roots reach 4–6 inches deep. Less than 4 inches creates a thin, drought-vulnerable lawn that struggles in summer heat. More than 6 inches provides diminishing returns unless the subsoil is extremely poor.
- Raised garden beds: 8–12 inches. Vegetables and perennials need deep, loose soil for root development and drainage. For a full raised bed, 10–12 inches of blended topsoil or garden mix is ideal.
- Landscaping and planting beds: 3–4 inches. Enough for shrubs and ground cover to establish, especially when tilled into the existing 4–6 inches of native soil below.
Is Bulk or Bagged Topsoil Cheaper?
The cost difference between bulk and bagged topsoil is dramatic:
- Bulk delivery ($20–$55/cubic yard): The most economical option for projects over 2–3 cubic yards. One cubic yard = about 27 cubic feet = roughly 18 standard 40 lb bags. At $35/yard bulk vs. $5/bag retail, bulk saves 60–70% for larger projects. Delivery typically adds $60–$100 per load.
- Bagged topsoil ($4–$7 per 40 lb bag): Convenient for small patches and repairs. At $5/bag and 18 bags per cubic yard, that is $90/cubic yard — nearly 3× the bulk price. Best for jobs under 1 cubic yard where delivery fees make bulk uneconomical.
- Screened premium topsoil ($40–$75/cubic yard): Passed through a fine screen to remove rocks, roots, and clumps. Better for lawn applications and fine gardening. Worth the premium for seed beds and topdressing where smooth texture matters.
Always ask suppliers whether the price includes delivery and whether the topsoil is screened. Unscreened topsoil may contain debris that clogs spreaders and creates uneven lawn surfaces.
What Are the Different Types of Topsoil?
Not all topsoil is the same — matching the type to your project prevents costly re-dos:
- Screened topsoil is processed through a screen to remove stones, roots, and large debris. It has a uniform, workable texture ideal for lawns, seed beds, and topdressing. The most popular choice for residential projects.
- Blended garden mix (topsoil + compost) combines screened topsoil with 20–30% compost amendment. Higher in organic matter, better water retention, and richer in nutrients. Best for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and raised beds where soil biology matters most.
- Fill dirt is not topsoil — it is subsoil used to raise grade or fill depressions before a finish layer of topsoil is applied, per USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service soil classification guidance. Much cheaper ($8–$20/yard) but will not support plant growth on its own. Always cover fill dirt with at least 4–6 inches of topsoil before planting.
Planning related outdoor projects? See our mulch calculator or gravel calculator for complementary estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the formula: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27. For a 20 × 30 foot area at 4 inches deep, that is (20 × 30 × 4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards. One cubic yard covers 81 square feet at 4 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches, or 162 square feet at 2 inches. Our calculator computes exact cubic yards, tons, and bag count from your specific dimensions.
A new lawn needs at least 4–6 inches of quality topsoil for healthy grass establishment. Grass roots typically grow 4–6 inches deep, so anything less restricts growth and creates a shallow, drought-prone lawn. If your existing soil is compacted clay or sand, aim for 6 inches. For overseeding or topdressing an existing lawn, a 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer (worked in with a rake) is sufficient without smothering the existing turf.
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper 2–8 inches of the earth's surface, containing organic matter, minerals, and the microbial life that supports plant growth. It is used for lawns, gardens, and planting areas. Fill dirt is subsoil — the layer below topsoil — that lacks organic content and nutrients. It is used purely to fill holes, level ground, or build up grade before a topsoil layer is applied on top. Never use fill dirt as a growing medium — plants will struggle and fail without the organic matter in topsoil.
One cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 1,080–1,350 pounds (about 0.54–0.68 tons), depending on moisture content and composition. Dry topsoil weighs less; wet or clay-heavy topsoil weighs more. Screened topsoil with compost amendments typically weighs around 1,200 lbs/yd³. Our calculator uses 1.35 tons/yd³ as the standard conversion. For truck load planning, a standard pickup bed holds about 0.5 cubic yards, while a full-size dump truck carries 10–14 cubic yards.
Yes — and for most projects, mixing is recommended over layering. Till 4–6 inches of new topsoil into the top 6 inches of existing soil to create a uniform growing medium. Pure layering (placing topsoil on top of compacted clay without tilling) creates a perched water table effect, where water pools at the interface between soil types and drowns roots. The exception is lawn topdressing with 1/4–1/2 inch, which can be raked in without tilling.