Dirt & Topsoil Calculator
Enter the total area of your project.
Select the unit of the entered area.
The depth of soil/dirt you plan to apply.
Calculated as: (Area × Depth in inches) / 324 (converted if needed)
Approximates using material density.
Capacity of one truckload (if you're hauling in bulk).
Enter the price per cubic yard.
Additional delivery costs.
Calculated as: (Cubic Yards × Price) + Delivery Fees
Created by James S. Lockwood
With a background in botany and ecological sciences, James specializes in creating practical tools and resources to help gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts optimize their green spaces.
Are you planning a landscaping, gardening, or construction project? Our Topsoil Calculator and Dirt Calculator help you accurately determine the amount of soil, fill dirt, or topsoil required for your project. Whether you need to level a lawn, create a raised garden bed, or fill holes, our Soil Volume Calculator provides precise cubic yard estimates to ensure you purchase the right amount of material.
Why Use Our Topsoil & Dirt Calculator?
- Accurate Volume Estimates – Get cubic yards and cubic feet calculations instantly.
- Adjustable Depth & Coverage – Calculate based on your desired soil depth.
- Multiple Material Types – Choose from topsoil, fill dirt, or garden soil.
- Project-Specific Adjustments – Customize results based on your landscaping or construction needs.
- Weight & Cost Estimation – Convert soil volume to weight and estimate costs per cubic yard.
How to Use the Topsoil & Dirt Calculator?
Step 1: Enter Your Project Area
- Input the total area size in square feet, square meters, or acres.
- Choose your preferred measurement unit.
Step 2: Select Your Desired Depth
- Specify how deep you want the topsoil or dirt to be in inches.
- Use our Topsoil Depth Calculator to estimate the best depth for your project.
Step 3: Choose Soil Type
- Topsoil – Best for lawns, gardens, and landscaping.
- Fill Dirt – Ideal for grading, leveling, and construction projects.
- Garden Soil – Enriched with compost for flower beds and vegetable gardens.
Step 4: Select Application Use Case
- Lawn Preparation – Thin layer of topsoil (1-2 inches).
- Raised Garden Beds – Deep topsoil coverage (6-12 inches).
- Filling Depressions – Moderate fill dirt depth (4-6 inches).
- Foundation & Grading – Customized soil requirements for structural stability.
Step 5: Get Instant Soil Volume Estimates
- Topsoil Volume Calculator – Convert area & depth into cubic yards.
- Soil Cubic Yard Calculator – Get measurements in cubic feet and cubic yards.
- Topsoil Coverage Calculator – Determine how much soil you need to cover a specific area.
Step 6: Convert to Weight & Cost
- Our Topsoil Quantity Calculator estimates total weight in tons based on soil density.
- Calculate the cost of topsoil or dirt by entering price per cubic yard.
Example Soil Volume Calculations
Lawn Topdressing
📏 1,000 sq ft
🔽 2 inches depth
🛠 6.2 cubic yards of soil needed
Raised Garden Bed
📏 500 sq ft
🔽 8 inches depth
🛠 12.3 cubic yards of soil needed
Filling Holes
📏 750 sq ft
🔽 6 inches depth
🛠 11.5 cubic yards of soil needed
How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Getting the right amount of topsoil ensures you don’t waste money on excess material or fall short, causing delays. Our Topsoil Calculator takes the guesswork out of the equation and provides accurate cubic yard estimates for your project.
What is a Topsoil Calculator?
A Topsoil Calculator is an online tool designed to calculate the amount of topsoil needed for your project based on:
✔ Area size (square feet, square meters, or acres)
✔ Desired soil depth (inches or centimeters)
✔ Soil type and use case (gardening, leveling, filling, etc.)
Formula Used in the Topsoil Volume Calculator
The standard formula to calculate topsoil volume in cubic yards is:
(Area in square feet × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards of Topsoil Needed
✅ Example Calculation:
- Project Area: 1,000 sq ft
- Desired Depth: 4 inches
- Calculation: (1,000 × 4) ÷ 324 = 12.3 cubic yards of topsoil needed
How to Calculate Yards of Dirt?
If you’re working on a landscaping, construction, or gardening project, knowing how to calculate yards of dirt is essential. Cubic yards are the standard unit for measuring large amounts of dirt, and using the right formula ensures you buy the correct amount, avoiding unnecessary costs and project delays
Use this simple cubic yard dirt formula:
📌 Formula:
(Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in)) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards of Dirt Needed
📌 Example Calculation:
Imagine you need dirt for a garden bed with the following dimensions:
- Length: 20 feet
- Width: 10 feet
- Depth: 6 inches
✅ Step 1: Multiply Area & Depth
20 × 10 × 6 = 1,200
✅ Step 2: Convert Inches to Feet (Divide by 12)
1,200 ÷ 12 = 100 cubic feet
✅ Step 3: Convert to Cubic Yards (Divide by 27)
100 ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards
🔹 Final Answer: You need 3.7 cubic yards of dirt for this project.
How Many Yards of Dirt Do I Need?
500 sq ft
📏 3 inches Depth
⛏️ 4.6 cubic yards of Dirt Needed
1,000 sq ft
📏 6 inches Depth
⛏️ 9.3 cubic yards of Dirt Needed
2,000 sq ft
📏 8 inches Depth
⛏️ 16.5 cubic yards of Dirt Needed
Bagged vs. Bulk Dirt Comparison
Dirt can be purchased in bulk (cubic yards) or in bags (cubic feet per bag). Which one is better? Here’s a comparison:
1. Buying Dirt in Bulk
✔ Best for large projects (gardens, landscaping, construction)
✔ Cheaper per cubic yard
✔ Requires truck delivery or pickup
✔ May need a place for storage
2. Buying Bagged Dirt
✔ Best for small projects (pots, raised beds, patching soil)
✔ More convenient (easy to carry and store)
✔ More expensive per cubic yard
✔ Available in various soil mixes
How Many Bags of Dirt in a Cubic Yard?
Dirt bags are usually 1 cubic foot or 2 cubic feet per bag.
1 cu ft
📦 27 bags per cubic yard
2 cu ft
📦 14 bags per cubic yard
3 cu ft
📦 9 bags per cubic yard
💡 Example Calculation:
If you need 3 cubic yards of dirt, you’ll need:
- 81 bags (1 cu ft each)
- 42 bags (2 cu ft each)
- 27 bags (3 cu ft each)
Bulk dirt is often cheaper and more practical for large projects. However, if you only need a small amount, bagged dirt is more convenient.
Benefits of Using Our Dirt & Topsoil Calculator
1. Prevent Underbuying or Overbuying Soil
With our Topsoil Volume Calculator, you can avoid purchasing too much or too little soil, saving money and reducing waste.
2. Optimize Topsoil Depth for Maximum Growth
Our Topsoil Depth Calculator helps you apply the correct depth for different applications, ensuring your lawn or garden thrives.
3. Plan for Bulk Topsoil Delivery or Truckloads
Use the Soil Cubic Yard Calculator to estimate how many truckloads of soil you need, making it easy to schedule deliveries.
4. Compare Cost Estimates Before Buying
Enter your local topsoil prices in the Topsoil Quantity Calculator to calculate the total cost of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Calculate How Much Topsoil I Need?
Use our Topsoil Coverage Calculator: (Area in square feet × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Total cubic yards needed.
How Deep Should Topsoil Be for a Garden?
For vegetable gardens or raised beds, a depth of 6-12 inches is recommended. Use our Topsoil Depth Calculator to get the right estimate.
How Many Cubic Yards of Soil Do I Need?
Use our Soil Cubic Yard Calculator by entering your area and depth. It automatically converts your measurements to cubic yards.
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Topsoil Weigh?
- Topsoil – 2,000 to 2,700 lbs per cubic yard.
- Fill Dirt – 2,500 to 3,000 lbs per cubic yard.
- Garden Soil – 1,800 to 2,500 lbs per cubic yard.
How Many Truckloads Do I Need for My Project?
Use our Soil Volume Calculator to determine the weight and number of truckloads needed for your project.
Disclaimer for Dirt & Topsoil Calculator
The Dirt & Topsoil Calculator provides estimates only. Actual dirt requirements may vary based on soil compaction, moisture content, and application method. Always consult with a professional supplier before ordering. We are not responsible for any discrepancies between estimated and actual material needs.
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