How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter desired depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards, cubic feet, and ton estimate.
Enter your yard’s length, width and desired depth, and the calculator instantly returns the volume of topsoil you’ll need in cubic yards, cubic feet, and an approximate tonnage. Knowing the exact volume prevents over‑ordering, saves money, and ensures a level landscape. The cubic‑feet result shows the raw space, while the cubic‑yard figure is what suppliers quote. Multiply the cubic yards by 1.3 to see the ton estimate, a standard industry conversion. Use the numbers to compare bids, schedule deliveries, and plan for a small waste buffer. All results appear immediately, so you can adjust dimensions and see how the totals change before you place an order. The cubic‑yard value is what most nurseries and landscape supply stores use for pricing, so it’s the primary figure for budgeting. The tonnage helps you verify truck capacity if you’re hiring a load‑and‑haul service. If your project includes slopes or uneven ground, add a 5‑10% allowance to the calculated volume.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and settling.
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard for ordering simplicity.
- Check supplier’s per‑yard price before finalizing the order.
- Measure depth in inches carefully; a 1‑inch error changes volume significantly.
Real-life examples
- Planning a new flower bed and need exact topsoil quantity.
- Estimating material for a lawn resurfacing project.
- Preparing a backyard garden raised bed and budgeting soil delivery.
Case study
Mike needed to fill a 20 × 30 ft garden with 6 in of topsoil. Using the calculator he saw he required about 11.1 cubic yards (≈14.4 tons). He ordered 12 cubic yards, saved $200 by avoiding excess, and completed the project on schedule.