How to use it
- Enter the length and width of your area in feet.
- Input the depth in inches.
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, cubic feet, and estimated tons.
- Use the results to plan your topsoil order.
This calculator tells you exactly how much topsoil you need by converting your garden bed's dimensions into cubic yards, cubic feet, and estimated weight in tons. Because topsoil is sold by volume but delivered by weight, knowing both numbers helps you order the right amount and avoid overpaying. The estimate uses a standard weight of 1.3 tons per cubic yard, which is typical for dry, loose topsoil. For example, a 10x10 ft bed at 3 inches deep comes to about 0.93 cubic yards and roughly 1.2 tons. You read the results this way: cubic yards tells you how much soil to order, tons tells you how heavy the load will be for trucking and handling. Use the cubic feet number to compare with bag sizes if you're buying in bags. Always double-check your measurements and convert depth to feet before using the result.
Pro tips
- Add 10% waste allowance for settling, spillage, and uneven spreading.
- Round up to the nearest half cubic yard when ordering to avoid a shortfall.
- Moisture affects weight, so treat 1.3 tons per yard as a solid planning estimate, not a guaranteed truck scale weight.
- Avoid mixing units — always enter depth in inches and length/width in feet for accurate results.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner filling a new 12x8 ft raised garden bed with 6 inches of topsoil.
- A landscaper estimating truckloads and delivery costs for a 50x20 ft lawn renovation.
- A DIYer comparing bag vs. bulk topsoil prices for a 4x10 ft flower bed.
Case study
Before, Sam bought bagged topsoil and ran out twice. After using the calculator, he entered his 20x30 ft bed at 4 in deep, saw 7.4 cubic yards and 9.6 tons, and ordered exactly one delivery. No extra trips, no leftover pile.