How the calculator works
Same volume math as any fill material: cubic yards = area × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Weight is estimated at 1.1 tons per yard for dry screened topsoil, which is what suppliers typically deliver.
Worked example: leveling a 500 sq ft section of lawn with 4″ of soil takes 500 × 0.333 = 167 cu ft = 6.2 cubic yards, about 6.8 tons, or two typical dump-truck-halves. This is firmly bulk-delivery territory.
How much depth do you need?
- Topdressing a lawn: ¼–½″ raked in; never bury grass more than an inch.
- Seeding a new lawn: 4–6″ of quality topsoil is the difference between grass that survives and grass that thrives.
- Raised vegetable beds: 12″ of soil blend (usually topsoil + compost mixed 2:1).
- Filling low spots: measure the deepest point, use half as your average depth if the low spot tapers.
Ordering notes
- Ask for screened topsoil. Unscreened is cheaper but full of rocks, roots, and clods.
- Soil settles 10–20% after watering. For finish grading, order 15% extra or plan a second thin lift.
- A cubic yard of damp topsoil approaches 2,500 lb, so do not put a full yard in a half-ton pickup.