How much topsoil do I need?
Enter the length, width and depth of the area, pick your bag size, and you'll get the volume in cubic yards (or cubic metres) plus the number of bags to buy — instantly.
That's about 45 bags at 0.75 cu ft each — or order the cubic yards in bulk and round up.
Volume = length × width × depth; bags = volume ÷ bag size, rounded up. Topsoil settles after laying — ordering 5–10% extra is good practice for larger jobs.
Common questions
- How do I calculate how much topsoil I need?
- Multiply length × width × depth, keeping depth in the same unit — 4 inches is 0.333 feet. The result is cubic feet; divide by 27 for cubic yards. Each standard 40 lb bag holds 0.75 cubic feet, so bags = cubic feet ÷ 0.75, rounded up.
- How many 40lb bags of topsoil equal 1 cubic yard?
- A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. A standard 40 lb bag holds 0.75 cubic feet, so 27 ÷ 0.75 = 36 bags per cubic yard. That is the number to remember when comparing bag prices against a bulk delivery.
- How many wheelbarrows is 1 yd of topsoil?
- A typical contractor wheelbarrow holds about 3 cubic feet. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so that is about 9 wheelbarrow loads. A smaller garden wheelbarrow (around 2 cubic feet) takes roughly 13–14 loads.
- How many bags is 10 yards of topsoil?
- 10 cubic yards × 36 bags per yard = 360 standard 40 lb (0.75 cu ft) bags. At that quantity, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper — check the per-yard price against the per-bag price at your local supplier.
Want the full walk-through? Read the topsoil guide →
Reference & education only. Not professional, engineering, or code-compliance advice. Estimates are based on published model codes; local amendments and your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) govern. Always verify against the current adopted code and a licensed professional before doing work.
Last reviewed 2026-07.