{"id":67172,"date":"2026-10-20T09:51:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T06:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/?p=67172"},"modified":"2026-10-20T09:51:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T06:51:48","slug":"topsoil-calculator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/life\/topsoil-calculator\/","title":{"rendered":"Topsoil Calculator"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"not-prose calculator-box\" aria-labelledby=\"calculator-title\"><div class=\"flex items-baseline sm:items-center justify-between gap-2 sm:gap-3\"><div class=\"flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center gap-2\"><span class=\"icon icon-calculator text-primary-700! text-base! dark:text-primary-300!\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><h2 id=\"calculator-title\" class=\"text-lg font-display font-bold\">Estimate Soil Volume, Weight, Bags, and Cost<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"calcdash-favorite group\">\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"favorite\" id=\"favorite\" data-favorite-id=\"67172\" data-favorite-title=\"Topsoil\" data-favorite-url=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/life\/topsoil-calculator\/\" data-favorite-excerpt=\"Estimate how much topsoil you need for a rectangular, circular, or known area. Enter the soil depth, material, bag size, and optional price to see volume, weight, whole bags, and cost.\" aria-label=\"Add to Favorites\" data-favorite-icon=\"icon icon-eco-home\">\n    <span class=\"icon icon-shape-star-empty\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n  <div class=\"calcdash-favorite__tip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n   <span class=\"favorite-tooltip\" id=\"favorite-tooltip\"><\/span>\n  <\/div>\n  <span class=\"sr-only\" role=\"status\" id=\"favorite-status\"><\/span>\n<\/div><\/div><form action=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/life\/topsoil-calculator\/\" method=\"POST\" class=\"calculator\" id=\"calculator-67172\" data-post=\"67172\"><fieldset class=\"fieldset-input is-2\"><legend class=\"sr-only\">Input Fields<\/legend><div class=\"field is-single\" id=\"input-1\"><label for=\"field-1\">Area shape<\/label><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-1\" name=\"area_shape\"><option value=\"rectangle\" selected>Rectangle<\/option><option value=\"circle\">Circle<\/option><option value=\"known\">Known area<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-2\"><label for=\"field-2\">Length<\/label><div class=\"field-group\"><input type=\"text\" name=\"length\" id=\"field-2\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" value=\"10\"\/><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-3\" name=\"length_unit\" aria-label=\"Length unit\"><option value=\"ft\" selected>ft<\/option><option value=\"m\">m<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-3\"><label for=\"field-4\">Width<\/label><div class=\"field-group\"><input type=\"text\" name=\"width\" id=\"field-4\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" value=\"10\"\/><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-5\" name=\"width_unit\" aria-label=\"Width unit\"><option value=\"ft\" selected>ft<\/option><option value=\"m\">m<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-4\" hidden><label for=\"field-6\">Diameter<\/label><div class=\"field-group\"><input type=\"text\" name=\"diameter\" id=\"field-6\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" value=\"10\"\/><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-7\" name=\"diameter_unit\" aria-label=\"Diameter unit\"><option value=\"ft\" selected>ft<\/option><option value=\"m\">m<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-5\" hidden><label for=\"field-8\">Known area<\/label><div class=\"field-group\"><input type=\"text\" name=\"known_area\" id=\"field-8\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" value=\"100\"\/><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-9\" name=\"area_unit\" aria-label=\"Area unit\"><option value=\"sqft\" selected>sq ft<\/option><option value=\"sqm\">m\u00b2<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-6\"><label for=\"field-10\">Soil depth<\/label><div class=\"field-group\"><input type=\"text\" name=\"soil_depth\" id=\"field-10\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" value=\"4\"\/><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-11\" name=\"depth_unit\" aria-label=\"Depth unit\"><option value=\"in\" selected>in<\/option><option value=\"cm\">cm<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-7\"><label for=\"field-12\">Material<\/label><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-12\" name=\"material\"><option value=\"topsoil\" selected>Topsoil<\/option><option value=\"garden\">Garden soil<\/option><option value=\"compost\">Compost<\/option><option value=\"sand\">Sand<\/option><option value=\"custom\">Custom density<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-8\" hidden><label for=\"field-13\">Custom bulk density<\/label><input type=\"text\" name=\"custom_bulk_density\" id=\"field-13\" aria-describedby=\"calc-unit-13 calc-info-13\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" value=\"1.1\"\/><div class=\"unit\" id=\"calc-unit-13\">US tons\/cu yd<\/div><small id=\"calc-info-13\">Enter the bulk density supplied by your material vendor.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-9\"><label for=\"field-14\">Bag size<\/label><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-14\" name=\"bag_size\"><option value=\"cf075\">0.75 cu ft<\/option><option value=\"cf1\">1 cu ft<\/option><option value=\"cf15\">1.5 cu ft<\/option><option value=\"cf2\" selected>2 cu ft<\/option><option value=\"l40\">40 L<\/option><option value=\"l50\">50 L<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-10\"><label for=\"field-15\">Compaction allowance<\/label><input type=\"text\" name=\"compaction_allowance\" id=\"field-15\" aria-describedby=\"calc-unit-15 calc-info-15\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" max=\"100\" value=\"10\"\/><div class=\"unit\" id=\"calc-unit-15\">%<\/div><small id=\"calc-info-15\">Extra material for settling, compaction, and minor unevenness.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"field\" id=\"input-11\"><label for=\"field-16\">Price (optional)<\/label><div class=\"field-group\"><input type=\"text\" name=\"price_optional\" id=\"field-16\" aria-describedby=\"calc-info-16\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" min=\"0\" value=\"45\"\/><div class=\"grid grid-cols-1\"><select id=\"field-17\" name=\"price_basis\" aria-label=\"Price basis\"><option value=\"yard\" selected>$ per cu yd<\/option><option value=\"bag\">$ per bag<\/option><\/select><svg class=\"pointer-events-none col-start-1 row-start-1 mr-2 size-5 self-center justify-self-end text-gray-500 sm:size-4\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\">\n              <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M4.22 6.22a.75.75 0 0 1 1.06 0L8 8.94l2.72-2.72a.75.75 0 1 1 1.06 1.06l-3.25 3.25a.75.75 0 0 1-1.06 0L4.22 7.28a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.06Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/>\n            <\/svg><\/div><\/div><small id=\"calc-info-16\">Clear the price to omit the cost estimate. Bag pricing uses whole bags.<\/small><\/div><\/fieldset><div class=\"buttons\"><button type=\"submit\" data-text=\"Re-Calculate\" id=\"calculate-button\" data-post=\"67172\">Calculate<\/button><button type=\"reset\">Reset<\/button><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox hidden!\" id=\"field-auto-calc\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"auto-calc\"><label for=\"auto-calc\">Calculate automatically<\/label><small>If enabled, the result will update automatically when you change any value.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"fieldset-result is-hidden\" aria-labelledby=\"result-title\" aria-live=\"polite\" role=\"region\"> <h3 class=\"result-title bg-gradient-to-r from-primary-50 to-gray-50 dark:from-primary-900 dark:to-gray-800\" id=\"result-title\"><span class=\"icon icon-s-pulse\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Material Needed<\/h3><div class=\"result-box\"><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-1\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Material volume<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-1\" data-unit=\"cu yd\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-2\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Material volume<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-2\" data-unit=\"cu ft\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-3\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Material volume<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-3\" data-unit=\"m\u00b3\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-4\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Estimated weight<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-4\" data-unit=\"US tons\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-5\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Estimated weight<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-5\" data-unit=\"tonnes\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-6\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Whole bags needed<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-6\" data-unit=\"bags\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-7\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Estimated material cost<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-7\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result is-column\" id=\"output-8\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Calculation notes<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-8\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"result-actions\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-link\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M12.232 4.232a2.5 2.5 0 0 1 3.536 3.536l-1.225 1.224a.75.75 0 0 0 1.061 1.06l1.224-1.224a4 4 0 0 0-5.656-5.656l-3 3a4 4 0 0 0 .225 5.865.75.75 0 0 0 .977-1.138 2.5 2.5 0 0 1-.142-3.667l3-3Z\"\/><path d=\"M11.603 7.963a.75.75 0 0 0-.977 1.138 2.5 2.5 0 0 1 .142 3.667l-3 3a2.5 2.5 0 0 1-3.536-3.536l1.225-1.224a.75.75 0 0 0-1.061-1.06l-1.224 1.224a4 4 0 1 0 5.656 5.656l3-3a4 4 0 0 0-.225-5.865Z\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"copy-link__text\">Copy link to this calculation<\/span><\/button><span class=\"sr-only\" role=\"status\" id=\"copy-link-status\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><a href=\"#respond\" class=\"hidden transition-opacity duration-300 opacity-0 w-50 text-sm justify-center items-center gap-2 px-4 py-2 rounded bg-gray-200 text-gray-700 hover:bg-gray-300\" id=\"leave-comment\"><span class=\"icon icon-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>Leave a Comment<\/a><\/form><\/section><section id=\"calc-reactions\" class=\"not-prose hidden my-12 bg-gradient-to-r from-primary-50 to-gray-50 border border-indigo-100 rounded-xl px-6 py-4 shadow-sm\" data-post=\"67172\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-labelledby=\"calc-reactions-title\"><p id=\"calc-reactions-title\" class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 text-center mb-2\">How did this result make you feel?<\/p><div role=\"group\" aria-labelledby=\"calc-reactions-title\" class=\"grid grid-cols-3 sm:flex sm:flex-row sm:justify-around gap-4 sm:items-center sm:flex-wrap\"><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"like\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"like\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\ude00 <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Like <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"helpful\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"helpful\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\udca1 <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Helpful <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"confused\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"confused\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\ude15 <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Confused <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"disappointed\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"disappointed\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\ude1e <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Disappointed <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"inaccurate\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"inaccurate\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u274c <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Inaccurate <\/span><\/button><\/div><div id=\"reaction-message\" class=\"hidden mt-8 rounded-md border border-primary-100 bg-white\/50 backdrop-blur-sm px-4 py-2 text-sm text-center shadow-sm\"><\/div><\/section><div class=\"calcdash-ad not-prose calcdash-ad--calc_result calcdash-ad--in-article\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1721569815777345\" data-ad-slot=\"6317458308\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/div>\n<style id=\"wpcoderpro-inline-1\">.formula-box {\r\n\tborder-bottom: none !important;\r\n}<\/style><section class=\"formula-box\" aria-labelledby=\"formula-title\">\r\n\t<div id=\"formula-title\" class=\"not-prose font-display mb-4\"><span class=\"icon icon-formula\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><h2>Topsoil Formula<\/h2><\/div>\r\n\t<figure class=\"not-prose formula\">\r\n\t\t<figcaption class=\"formula-title\">Formula<\/figcaption>\r\n\t\t<div class=\"text-base text-gray-800\" id=\"formula\">\n\\[V_{\\mathrm{ft}^3}=A_{\\mathrm{ft}^2}\\times d_{\\mathrm{ft}}\\times\\left(1+\\frac{c}{100}\\right)\\]\n\\[V_{\\mathrm{yd}^3}=\\frac{V_{\\mathrm{ft}^3}}{27},\\qquad W_{\\mathrm{US\\ tons}}=V_{\\mathrm{yd}^3}\\times\\rho,\\qquad N=\\left\\lceil\\frac{V_{\\mathrm{ft}^3}}{B_{\\mathrm{ft}^3}}\\right\\rceil\\]\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/figure>\r\n\t<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\\(A_{\\mathrm{ft}^2}\\) \u2014 area in square feet: length \u00d7 width for a rectangle, \\(\\pi D^2\/4\\) for a circle, or the entered known area<\/li>\n<li>\\(d_{\\mathrm{ft}}\\) \u2014 soil depth in feet<\/li>\n<li>\\(c\\) \u2014 compaction allowance as a percentage<\/li>\n<li>\\(V\\) \u2014 material volume, including the allowance<\/li>\n<li>\\(\\rho\\) \u2014 material bulk density in US tons per cubic yard<\/li>\n<li>\\(B_{\\mathrm{ft}^3}\\) \u2014 volume of one bag in cubic feet; \\(N\\) is the number of whole bags<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The calculator converts your measurements to consistent units, then adds the allowance to the volume. Weight and bag count are based on that increased volume.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n<\/section>\n<style id=\"wpcoderpro-inline-459\">.calculation-box {\r\n\tborder-bottom: none !important;\r\n}<\/style><section id=\"calculation\" class=\"calculation-box\" aria-labelledby=\"calculation-title\">\r\n\t<div id=\"calculation-title\" class=\"not-prose font-display\"><span class=\"icon icon-unordered-list\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><h2>Topsoil \u2013 Calculation Example<\/h2><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> Cover a 10 ft by 10 ft rectangle with 4 in of topsoil. Use the default 10% compaction allowance, 2 cu ft bags, a bulk density of 1.1 US tons per cu yd, and a price of $45 per cu yd.<\/p>\n<p>\\[A=10\\times10=100\\ \\mathrm{sq\\ ft},\\qquad d=\\frac{4}{12}=\\frac13\\ \\mathrm{ft}\\]<\/p>\n<p>\\[V=100\\times\\frac13\\times1.10\\approx36.667\\ \\mathrm{cu\\ ft}=1.358\\ \\mathrm{cu\\ yd}\\]<\/p>\n<p>\\[W\\approx1.35802469\\times1.1=1.494\\ \\mathrm{US\\ tons},\\qquad N=\\left\\lceil\\frac{36.6667}{2}\\right\\rceil=19\\ \\mathrm{bags}\\]<\/p>\n<p>\\[\\text{Estimated cost}=1.35802469\\times\\$45=\\$61.11\\]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Result:<\/strong> About 1.358 cu yd (36.667 cu ft) of topsoil, weighing approximately 1.494 US tons. That is 19 whole 2 cu ft bags; at $45 per cu yd, the estimated material cost is $61.11.<\/p>\n<p>\n\r\n<\/section>\n<h2>How to use the calculator<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Choose an <strong>Area shape<\/strong>. For <strong>Rectangle<\/strong>, enter <strong>Length<\/strong> and <strong>Width<\/strong> and select a unit for each. For <strong>Circle<\/strong>, enter <strong>Diameter<\/strong>. If you have already measured the surface, choose <strong>Known area<\/strong> and select its <strong>Area unit<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Enter the finished layer thickness in <strong>Soil depth<\/strong> and choose inches or centimeters under <strong>Depth unit<\/strong>. Use a depth greater than zero.<\/li>\n<li>Choose a <strong>Material<\/strong>. If you select <strong>Custom density<\/strong>, enter your supplier\u2019s figure in <strong>Custom bulk density<\/strong>, measured in US tons per cu yd.<\/li>\n<li>Select the <strong>Bag size<\/strong> you might buy, then set a <strong>Compaction allowance<\/strong> from 0% to 100%. The default 10% adds material for settling and small variations in the surface.<\/li>\n<li>Optionally enter <strong>Price (optional)<\/strong> and choose a <strong>Price basis<\/strong> of dollars per cu yd or dollars per bag. Clear the price field if you do not want a cost estimate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Read <strong>Material volume<\/strong> in cu yd, cu ft, or m\u00b3 according to how your supplier sells soil. The results also show <strong>Estimated weight<\/strong> in US tons and tonnes, <strong>Whole bags needed<\/strong>, and, when you provide a price, <strong>Estimated material cost<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2>What the topsoil estimate means<\/h2>\n<p>Topsoil is commonly spread to build up planting areas or improve an existing surface. The amount needed depends on the area covered and the depth of the new layer. A broad, shallow layer can require as much material as a smaller, deeper bed, so measuring both matters before ordering.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Material volume<\/strong> is the amount to purchase after the compaction allowance has been added. The calculation starts with area multiplied by depth, then increases that volume by the selected percentage. For a rectangular area, measure its two sides; for a circular area, measure across its center. If a space is irregular, divide it into simpler shapes, add their areas, and enter the total under <strong>Known area<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Estimated weight<\/strong> helps when checking delivery or vehicle capacity, but it is less certain than volume. The calculator uses approximate bulk densities of 1.1 US tons per cu yd for topsoil, 0.9 for garden soil, 0.5 for compost, and 1.35 for sand. A US ton is 2,000 lb; a tonne is 1,000 kg. The weight estimate includes the compaction allowance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Whole bags needed<\/strong> rounds up because bags are sold as complete units. Cost follows the selected price basis: per-cubic-yard pricing uses the unrounded volume, while per-bag pricing uses the whole-bag count. A per-yard quote and a per-bag quote therefore describe different purchasing options, even when both refer to the same calculated volume.<\/p>\n<h2>Assumptions and practical tips<\/h2>\n<p>Measure the depth of the <em>new soil layer<\/em>, not the full depth of an existing bed. The estimate assumes that depth is uniform across the measured area. If the ground is uneven, take several depth measurements and use a representative value, or calculate noticeably different sections separately.<\/p>\n<p>The compaction allowance adds material; it does not predict exactly how much a particular soil will settle. The default 10% is a planning margin, not a guarantee. Moisture, composition, handling, and how firmly soil is placed can all change its bulk density and final depth. If delivery weight is important, ask the supplier for a density specific to the product and enter it using <strong>Custom density<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Check whether a bulk supplier quotes by loose cubic yard and whether bag labels state volume. The cost result covers material only: delivery, taxes, minimum-order charges, and other fees are not included. For a different ground-cover project, use the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/life\/mulch-calculator\/\">mulch calculator<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/life\/gravel-calculator\/\">gravel calculator<\/a> rather than applying a topsoil density to another material.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimate how much topsoil you need for a rectangular, circular, or known area. Enter the soil depth, material, bag size, and optional price to see volume, weight, whole bags, and cost.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3168,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[66],"class_list":["post-67172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-life","tag-household"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67172","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67172"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67172\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67201,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67172\/revisions\/67201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67172"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67172"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67172"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}