Topsoil Volume Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the topsoil volume calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Topsoil Needed
cubic_yards = vol_cuft / 27Approximate Weight
tons = vol_cuft / 27 * 1.1Volume
volume_cuft = vol_cuftVariables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
area_sqft | Area(sq ft) | 500 |
depth_in | Topsoil Depth(in) | 4 |
depth_ft | Derived value= depth_in / 12 | calculated |
vol_cuft | Derived value= area_sqft * depth_ft | calculated |
How It Works
Topsoil Volume
Volume (cu ft) = Area (sq ft) x Depth (ft)
Cubic Yards = Volume / 27
Topsoil weighs approximately 1.1 tons per cubic yard depending on moisture. For new lawns, 4 to 6 inches of topsoil is recommended over compacted subgrade.
Worked Example
500 sq ft garden bed with 4 inches of topsoil.
area_sqft = 500depth_in = 4
- 01Depth = 4 / 12 = 0.333 ft
- 02Volume = 500 x 0.333 = 166.7 cu ft
- 03Cubic yards = 166.7 / 27 = 6.2 cu yd
- 04Weight = 6.2 x 1.1 = 6.8 tons
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Topsoil Volume Calculator