Topsoil Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons and Compaction
Enter the area and depth, choose how heavy the soil is, add compaction and waste allowances, and see the volume and weight to order. After switching units, re-enter your measurements.
Updated
Report a problem
Formula
laid volume (ft3) = area (ft2) x depth (in) / 12order = laid volume x (1 + compaction %) x (1 + waste %)cubic yards = ft3 / 27,m3 = ft3 x 0.028316846592mass (kg) = m3 x density,short tons = kg / 907.18474
Worked example
500 ft2 at 4 in deep, average soil, 15% compaction and 10% waste:
- 500 x 4 / 12 = 166.67 ft3
- x 1.15 x 1.10 = 210.83 ft3 = 7.81 yd3 (5.97 m3)
- 5.97 m3 x 1,300 = 7,761 kg = 8.56 US tons (7.76 tonnes)
Assumptions
- Bulk densities are typical values (dry 1,100, average 1,300, moist 1,500, heavy 1,700 kg/m3).
- Compaction and waste are applied one after the other, not added together.
- Soil amendments, sod and slope are not counted.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a lawn?
Multiply area by depth. For 500 square feet at 4 inches deep, 500 x 4 / 12 = 166.7 cubic feet, which is 6.17 cubic yards before allowances. With 15 percent compaction and 10 percent waste you should order 7.81 cubic yards.
Why add a compaction allowance?
Loose soil settles when it is watered and walked on, losing 10 to 20 percent of its volume. Ordering extra means the final level ends up at the depth you planned.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of topsoil?
About 1.1 to 1.4 US tons depending on moisture. At the average density of 1,300 kg per cubic metre one cubic yard weighs 994 kg, which is 1.10 US tons. Wet or clay-heavy soil is heavier, up to about 1.9 tons.
How deep should topsoil be?
About 4 to 6 inches is common for new lawns and 8 to 12 inches for vegetable and flower beds. Over existing soil, a 1 to 2 inch top-dressing may be enough.
Should I buy by volume or by weight?
Most suppliers sell topsoil by the cubic yard, and some by the ton. Use the weight shown here to check that your trailer or truck can carry the load, then confirm with the supplier.