Screened Topsoil
Best for: lawns, flower beds, general landscaping
Sifted, cleaner texture, fewer rocks and clumps.
Calculators / Topsoil Calculator
Topsoil Calculator
Cubic yards, bags, and cost
Estimate topsoil for lawns, sod prep, flower beds, vegetable gardens, raised beds, leveling, and fill projects. Enter the area and depth, then compare bagged soil with bulk cubic yards.
Fast estimate
Calculate topsoil
Area 1
Area 1 - 0 sq ft
Calculate using
0.5-1" top dressing, 2-4" sod prep, 6-12" beds.
Dimension guide
Total area: 0 sq ft
Waste buffer
Adds extra soil to account for settling, uneven ground, and spillage.
Bag size
Compare other bag sizes in results.
Optional cost comparison
Delivery can apply to both bagged and bulk orders. Enter local prices to compare total cost.
Bagged topsoil
Bulk topsoil
Choose the Right Topsoil Type
Match the soil blend to the job before you buy.
Compost / Garden Mix
Best for: vegetables, flowers, improving poor soil
Richer organic matter, better for planting.
Raised Bed Mix
Best for: raised garden beds and deep planters
Lighter blend designed for drainage and root growth.
Lawn Topsoil
Best for: seeding, sod prep, thin lawn repair
Smooth, spreadable soil for grass projects.
Fill Dirt / Unscreened Soil
Best for: filling holes, grading, raising low areas
Not ideal as the final planting layer.
Top Dressing Soil
Best for: refreshing existing lawns
Applied in a thin layer, usually 0.5 to 1 inch.
Quick Reference Tables
Use these as planning shortcuts before ordering soil.
Recommended Topsoil Depth
| Project | Recommended depth | Best soil type |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn top dressing | 0.5-1 inch | Screened topsoil or top dressing soil |
| New lawn from seed | 4-6 inches | Lawn topsoil or screened topsoil |
| Sod preparation | 2-4 inches | Screened topsoil |
| Flower bed | 6-8 inches | Screened topsoil + compost |
| Vegetable garden | 8-12 inches | Compost/garden mix |
| Raised bed | 8-18 inches | Raised bed mix |
| Leveling low spots | As needed | Fill dirt, topped with screened topsoil |
Coverage per 1 Cubic Yard
| Depth | Approximate coverage |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
| 8 inches | 40 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft |
Bag vs Bulk Guide
| Amount needed | Usually best option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 0.25 cu yd | Bags | Good for patching and small beds |
| 0.25-1 cu yd | Compare both | Bags may be easier; bulk may be cheaper |
| 1-5 cu yd | Bulk delivery | Better for beds, sod prep, larger lawns |
| 5+ cu yd | Bulk delivery | May require large truck or multiple loads |
How Much Topsoil Do You Need?
Topsoil needs are driven by square footage and depth. Thin top dressing uses much less soil than building a new lawn base or filling a raised bed.
How to Calculate Topsoil
Multiply area by depth in feet to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then add extra for waste and settling. Bag counts are based on adjusted cubic feet.
Topsoil for Lawns vs Gardens vs Raised Beds
Lawns usually need screened, spreadable soil. Gardens benefit from compost-rich blends. Raised beds need a lighter mix that drains well and supports deeper roots.
Should You Buy Bagged or Bulk Topsoil?
Bags are tidy and convenient for small work. Bulk topsoil usually makes more sense when the project is near or above a cubic yard, especially for beds, sod prep, and larger lawn repairs.
Topsoil FAQ
Common questions homeowners ask before buying topsoil.
Last updated: May 2026
It depends on the project. Lawn top dressing is usually 0.5-1 inch, sod prep is often 2-4 inches, new lawns are usually 4-6 inches, flower beds are commonly 6-8 inches, and vegetable or raised beds may need 8-12+ inches.