Topsoil calculator
Cubic yards and tons of topsoil for a new lawn, a garden or a regrade.
A 50 × 40 ft lawn needs 37.04 cubic yards of topsoil 6 in deep, about 29.63 tons.
Measure
You need
about 29.63 tons · 1,000.0 ft³ · 28.32 m³
Your shopping list
Priced by the ton
29.63 tonst
Short tons of 2,000 lb
Priced by the yard
37.04 yd³m³
Screened topsoil, loose
Type a price per ton and a price per cubic yard to see which quote is cheaper.
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How it is calculated
- Area50 ft × 40 ft = 2,000 ft²
- Volume2,000 ft² × 6/12 ft = 1,000.0 ft³
- Cubic yards1,000.0 ÷ 27 = 37.04 yd³
- Tons37.04 × 0.80 = 29.63 tons
Topsoil for common lawn sizes
| Lawn | yd³ at 4 in | yd³ at 6 in | Tons at 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 ft² | 6.17 | 9.26 | 7.41 |
| 1,000 ft² | 12.35 | 18.52 | 14.81 |
| 2,000 ft² | 24.69 | 37.04 | 29.63 |
| 2,500 ft² | 30.86 | 46.30 | 37.04 |
| 5,000 ft² | 61.73 | 92.59 | 74.07 |
| ¼ acre (10,890 ft²) | 134.44 | 201.67 | 161.33 |
Per 1,000 ft², by depth
| Depth | yd³ | Tons | ft² per yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 3.09 | 2.47 | 324 |
| 2 in | 6.17 | 4.94 | 162 |
| 3 in | 9.26 | 7.41 | 108 |
| 4 in | 12.35 | 9.88 | 81 |
| 5 in | 15.43 | 12.35 | 65 |
| 6 in | 18.52 | 14.81 | 54 |
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
4 to 6 inches, measured after the soil has been firmed or has settled (Penn State Extension). Spread a little more than the target depth: loose topsoil settles after rain or rolling.
How many yards of topsoil for 1,000 square feet?
12.35 cubic yards at 4 inches deep and 18.52 cubic yards at 6 inches, about 9.88 and 14.81 tons.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
About 0.80 short tons, or 1,600 lb, for loose dry topsoil (New Mexico EMNRD, from the BLM handbook). Wet soil weighs more: if your supplier sells by the ton, ask for their figure and type it in "Tons per cubic yard".
How much topsoil for a quarter acre?
A quarter acre is 10,890 ft². At 4 inches deep it takes 134.44 cubic yards, about 107.56 tons; at 6 inches, 201.67 cubic yards.
How much area does a yard of topsoil cover?
81 ft² at 4 inches deep and 54 ft² at 6 inches: 324 divided by the depth in inches.