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Calculate the cubic yards, tons, and bags of topsoil needed for lawns, gardens, and raised beds.
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter and nutrients essential for plant growth. It's used to create new planting beds, improve existing soil, establish new lawns, and fill raised beds. Quality topsoil contains a balance of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter.
Cubic Yards = (Area in sq ft × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.1 (for topsoil)
40 lb Bags ≈ Cubic Yards × 54
For a 200 sq ft garden bed with 6" of topsoil:
Cubic Yards = (200 × 6) ÷ 324 = 3.7 cu yd
Tons = 3.7 × 1.1 = 4.1 tons
40 lb Bags = 3.7 × 54 = 200 bags
| Application | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Topdressing lawn | 1-2 inches |
| New lawn seeding | 4 inches |
| Flower beds | 6 inches |
| Vegetable gardens | 8-12 inches |
| Raised beds | 12+ inches |
There are approximately 54 forty-pound bags or 27 one-cubic-foot bags in a cubic yard of topsoil.
A cubic yard of dry topsoil weighs approximately 2,000-2,200 lbs (about 1 ton). Wet topsoil can weigh significantly more.
Topsoil is natural soil from the earth's surface. Garden soil is typically topsoil amended with compost and other organic matter for improved plant growth.
Apply 4 inches of topsoil for new lawn establishment. For overseeding or topdressing, 1/4 to 1/2 inch is sufficient.