How Much Does a Yard of Topsoil Cover?
How much does a yard of topsoil cover? One cubic yard of topsoil, which is 27 cubic feet, covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, 108 square feet at 3 inches, and 81 square feet at 4 inches. Loose topsoil settles after spreading and watering, so many people add 10 to 20 percent more than the math says.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Coverage table
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | About 648 sq ft |
| 1 inch | About 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | About 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | About 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | About 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | About 54 sq ft |
| 8 inches | About 40 sq ft |
| 12 inches | About 27 sq ft |
How deep should topsoil be?
| Project | Typical topsoil depth |
|---|---|
| Top dressing a lawn | 1/4 to 1/2 inch |
| Filling low spots | As needed, in thin layers |
| New lawn from seed or sod | 4 to 6 inches |
| Vegetable or flower beds | 6 to 12 inches |
| Raised beds | Bed depth, often with compost mixed in |
Thick layers over existing grass smother it. For lawn top dressing, spread thin layers and let grass grow through before adding more.
Weight of a yard of topsoil
A cubic yard of topsoil commonly weighs about 2,000 to 2,700 pounds depending on moisture and organic content. Wet clay-heavy soil is at the top of that range. See how much a yard of dirt weighs for related numbers. That weight matters for pickup payloads and wheelbarrow trips; a yard is roughly 10 to 15 wheelbarrow loads.
How to calculate topsoil
- Measure the area in feet and multiply length by width.
- Convert depth to feet by dividing inches by 12.
- Multiply area by depth for cubic feet.
- Divide by 27 for cubic yards. See cubic feet to cubic yards.
- Add 10 to 20 percent for settling.
Example: a 20 by 30 foot area for a new lawn at 4 inches is 600 × 0.333 = 200 cubic feet, or about 7.4 cubic yards. Ordering 8 to 9 yards allows for settling.
Bulk vs bagged topsoil
Bagged topsoil often comes in 0.75 or 1 cubic foot bags. One cubic yard equals 27 one-cubic-foot bags or 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet. For anything more than a small bed, bulk delivery usually costs much less.
Choosing quality topsoil
- Look for dark, crumbly soil without large rocks, roots, or trash.
- Ask whether it is screened.
- Consider blended topsoil with compost for gardens.
- Ask about weed seed and the source of the soil.
Topsoil and driveways
Topsoil is for growing plants, not for supporting pavement. It should be removed from under driveways and replaced with compacted base. See topsoil under a new driveway.
Bottom line
A cubic yard of topsoil covers about 162 square feet at 2 inches and 81 square feet at 4 inches. Measure area, multiply by depth in feet, divide by 27, and add 10 to 20 percent for settling. Use 4 to 6 inches for new lawns and thin layers for top dressing.
Questions people ask
How much does a yard of topsoil cover?
About 324 square feet at 1 inch, 162 at 2 inches, and 81 at 4 inches.
How many bags of topsoil equal a yard?
Twenty-seven 1-cubic-foot bags or thirty-six 0.75-cubic-foot bags.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Roughly 2,000 to 2,700 pounds depending on moisture.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
About 4 to 6 inches.
Should I order extra topsoil?
Yes, about 10 to 20 percent for settling.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Yard of Dirt Weigh? Topsoil, Fill, Clay
- Why Topsoil Cannot Stay Under a New Driveway
- Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Conversion and Examples
- How Much Does a Ton of Sand Cover?
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