How Many Bags of Topsoil in a Yard? Size Chart

How many bags of topsoil in a yard? A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. Bagged topsoil is usually sold by volume, most often in 0.75 cubic foot bags (often around 40 pounds) or 1 cubic foot bags. That works out to 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet, or 27 bags of 1 cubic foot, per cubic yard. Some garden soils and blends come in 1.5 or 2 cubic foot bags, needing 18 or about 14 bags.

Volume and tonnage calculator →

Bags per cubic yard

Bag volume	Bags per cubic yard
0.75 cu ft	36
1 cu ft	27
1.5 cu ft	18
2 cu ft	13.5

Bag weights vary widely with moisture and organic content, so rely on the volume printed on the bag rather than the weight.

Coverage per bag

Depth	0.75 cu ft bag	1 cu ft bag
1 in	9 sq ft	12 sq ft
2 in	4.5 sq ft	6 sq ft
3 in	3 sq ft	4 sq ft
6 in	1.5 sq ft	2 sq ft

For a 4x8-foot raised bed 10 inches deep, you need about 27 cubic feet, one cubic yard: 36 small bags or 27 large ones.

Topsoil vs garden soil vs potting mix

Product	Use
Topsoil	Filling low spots, leveling, base for lawns
Garden soil	Topsoil blended with compost for beds
Raised bed mix	Lighter blend for raised beds
Potting mix	Containers; not for in-ground use

Bagged topsoil quality varies. Some is screened fill with little organic matter. For planting, garden soil or a compost blend usually performs better.

Bags vs bulk

One cubic yard of bulk topsoil often costs much less than 27 to 36 bags. Above about a cubic yard, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper, though you need space for a pile and a way to move it. Bulk topsoil is commonly about 1 to 1.3 tons per cubic yard depending on moisture. See how much does a yard of topsoil cover.

Settling

Loose soil settles after watering, often by 10 to 20 percent. Add a little extra when filling raised beds or low areas.

Topsoil and driveways

Topsoil should be stripped from under driveways and patios, not built on. See topsoil under a new driveway.

Estimating volume

Multiply length x width x depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. The asphalt base calculator can do the volume math for soil, gravel, or sand.

Bottom line

A cubic yard of topsoil equals 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet, 27 of 1 cubic foot, or 18 of 1.5 cubic feet. Rely on bag volume, add 10 to 20 percent for settling, and switch to bulk delivery for projects over about a yard.

Questions people ask

How many 40 lb bags of topsoil make a yard?

About 36, if each holds 0.75 cubic feet.

How much does a bag of topsoil cover?

A 0.75 cubic foot bag covers about 9 square feet at 1 inch.

How many bags of soil for a raised bed?

Calculate cubic feet and divide by bag volume.

Is bulk topsoil cheaper than bags?

Usually yes for a cubic yard or more.

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