How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply area (length × width) by depth in feet, divide by 27. A 10×20 bed at 4" depth needs about 2.5 cubic yards.
Topsoil is ordered in cubic yards for bulk delivery or bags for small patches. Default depth is 4 inches for new beds — use 1–2 inches for lawn topdressing.
Default 3" for mulch beds
Default 10% for settling
Multiply area (length × width) by depth in feet, divide by 27. A 10×20 bed at 4" depth needs about 2.5 cubic yards.
New vegetable and flower beds often use 4–6 inches of quality topsoil mixed into native soil. Lawn repairs may only need 1–2 inches.
Topsoil is for growing plants. Compost improves soil biology. Mulch covers soil surface. Use this calculator for topsoil volume — switch material type in settings.
Mulch Calculators · https://mulch-calculators.com/topsoil-calculator/