TryBuildCalcBulk Topsoil Calculator (Cubic Yards / Cubic Metres)
Size your bulk topsoil order instantly.
🕒 Last updated: September 19, 2026
Inputs
ℹ️For an irregular area, measure its overall rectangular footprint, or switch to By Total Area above.
ℹ️Typical for Screened Topsoil: 2-4 in.
ℹ️General-purpose topsoil screened to remove rocks, roots, and debris. A common choice for general fill and grading work, and can also be used as a thinner topdressing layer over an existing lawn.
Delivery
Shown as loose cubic yards / cubic metres, plus an approximate bulk/FIBC (≈1 m³) bag count for reference.
Cost
Topsoil Needed
8.519 cu yd
230 cu ft (6.513 m³ / 7 bulk bag(s) ≈1 m³ each)
Fill Area
800 sq ft
74.32 m² at 3" (7.6 cm) deep
Volume
Bare volume: 200 cu ft (7.407 cu yd / 5.663 m³)
Order volume (+15% settling/waste): 230 cu ft
8.519 cu yd / 6.513 m³ / 6,512.9 L
Bulk / Loose
Order: 8.519 cu yd (6.513 m³)
≈7 bulk/jumbo bag(s)
Assumes a ≈1 m³ (≈35 cu ft) bulk/FIBC bag, the common UK/AU size — a US bulk delivery is usually by the loose cubic yard instead.
Screened Topsoil
General-purpose topsoil screened to remove rocks, roots, and debris. A common choice for general fill and grading work, and can also be used as a thinner topdressing layer over an existing lawn.
Typical depth range: 2-4 in (general practice guidance, not a fixed standard)
Assumptions Used
Order volume adds a 15% settling/waste allowance on top of the bare fill volume (area × depth), covering typical settling and compaction once topsoil is watered in and worked. Bag sizes are stored as a canonical liter volume so both common US cu-ft retail bags and common UK/AU litre bags can be selected from the same list; results are always shown in cu ft, cu yd, m³, and litres together. Bulk/loose figures assume a ≈1 m³ (≈35 cu ft) bulk/FIBC bag as an additional reference figure — many US suppliers instead sell bulk topsoil loose by the cubic yard, which is shown directly. This calculator estimates material quantity only — it does not verify existing grade, drainage, or soil testing/amendment needs.
Diagram simplified for clarity (not to scale) — fill area shown schematically, topsoil depth shown proportionally.
Looking for the verification checklist, reference tables, tips, or common mistakes?See the complete Topsoil Calculator.
Bulk / loose topsoil order volume
Bulk (loose, truck-delivered) topsoil is generally the more economical choice once a project needs more than roughly 2-3 cubic yards — this page defaults to delivery method set to Bulk / Loose.
This page defaults to a 40 ft × 20 ft area at 3 in deep — edit the inputs above to match your actual project, and switch delivery method back to Bagged if a smaller quantity suits your project better.
Topsoil Calculator Formula: How Is It Determined?
Fill area and depth combine into a bare volume, a settling/waste allowance is added, then the order volume converts to either a bag count or a bulk quantity.
Step 1 — Fill Area
By Dimensions: Area = Length x Width
By Total Area: Area = entered value (converted to sq ft if entered in m²)
Either enter a rectangular area's length and width, or enter its total area directly — useful for an irregular lawn, bed, or plot where length x width doesn't apply.
Step 2 — Bare & Order Volume
Bare Volume = Area x Depth
Order Volume = Bare Volume x (1 + 15% settling/waste)
The 15% allowance covers typical settling and compaction once topsoil is watered in and worked — a bit higher than a loose organic mulch's allowance, since topsoil compacts more.
Step 3a — Bagged
Bags = ceil(Order Volume / Bag Volume)
Bag volume is stored as a canonical liter figure internally, so both cu-ft-sized (US) and litre-sized (UK/AU) bags come from the same preset list, or enter a custom bag size in either unit.
Step 3b — Bulk / Loose
Order Volume shown directly in cu yd and m³
Bulk Bags (≈1 m³ each) = ceil(Order Volume in m³)
Bulk topsoil is most often bought loose by the cubic yard (common in the US) — the bulk/FIBC (~1 m³) bag count is shown as an additional reference figure, since that's a common bulk-bag size in the UK and Australia.
Worked Example
This example walks through your current inputs above, using the same steps as the Formula section.
Input Values Used
| Input | Value | Why it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Fill Area | 800 sq ft (74.32 m²) | Sets bare volume |
| Depth | 3 in (7.6 cm) — Screened Topsoil | Sets bare volume and depth-advisory check |
| Delivery Method | Bulk / Loose | Sets bag count or bulk quantity |
Step 1 & 2 — Volume
| Calculation | Result |
|---|---|
| Bare Volume = 800 sq ft x (3/12) ft | 200 cu ft (7.407 cu yd / 5.663 m³) |
| Order Volume = Bare Volume x (1 + 15%) | 230 cu ft (8.519 cu yd / 6.513 m³) |
Step 3 — Bulk / Loose
| Calculation | Result |
|---|---|
| Bulk Bags = ceil(7 m³ / 1 m³) | ≈7 bulk bag(s) |
Figures above are rounded for display; the bag/bulk count is always calculated from full, unrounded values, so it can occasionally look off by one bag if you redo the division yourself using the rounded figures shown.
Therefore, a 800 sq ft area at 3" deep needs approximately 8.519 cu yd of screened topsoil.
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides approximate results for planning and estimation purposes only. Actual requirements may vary based on site conditions, materials, workmanship, and local building regulations. Always consult a qualified engineer, architect, or construction professional before making final decisions.