Topsoil Coverage Calculator

Calculate your topsoil needs instantly and free—enter length, width, depth to get cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

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How to use it

  1. Enter the length in feet.
  2. Enter the width in feet.
  3. Enter the depth in inches.
  4. Read cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet instantly.

What it does The Topsoil Coverage Calculator turns your garden dimensions into three practical measures: cubic yards, cubic feet, and an estimated weight in tons. Knowing the exact volume prevents ordering too little (which stalls planting) or too much (which wastes money).

Why it matters Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard and priced per ton. A precise estimate lets you budget accurately and schedule delivery without surprise overages.

How to read the results

  • Cubic yards – the standard unit for ordering topsoil.
  • Tons (approx) – weight based on 1.3 US tons per cubic yard, useful for truck load planning.
  • Cubic feet – handy for small projects or when comparing to other materials.

Enter your dimensions and the calculator instantly provides all three numbers, so you can place an order with confidence.

Pro tips

  • Add 5‑10% extra volume to cover settling and compaction.
  • Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard when ordering.
  • Compare prices per ton and per cubic yard to get the best deal.
  • Double‑check depth conversion (inches to feet) to avoid under‑ordering.

Real-life examples

  • A homeowner preparing a 12 × 20 ft garden bed 4 in deep.
  • A landscaper estimating topsoil for a 500 sq ft lawn renovation at 3 in depth.
  • A DIY enthusiast calculating material for a raised path 6 ft wide, 30 ft long, 2 in deep.

Case study

Jane needed topsoil for a 15 × 30 ft patio garden 4 in deep. Using the calculator she saw she required 1.85 cubic yards, about 2.4 tons. She ordered 2 cubic yards, saved $30, and had enough after settling.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert depth in inches to feet for the calculator?
Divide the depth in inches by 12 to get feet.
What if my area isn’t a perfect rectangle?
Break the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each, then add the results.
Why does the calculator show tons?
Topsoil is often priced by weight; we use 1.3 US tons per cubic yard for an estimate.
Can I use the results for ordering multiple loads?
Yes, multiply the cubic yards or tons by the number of loads you need.
Do I need to account for soil compaction?
Add a 5‑10% waste factor to the volume to cover compaction and settling.