Measure the space
Rectangle: length × width × depth. Circle: π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × depth. Convert measurements to one unit before multiplying. The geometric volume is unchanged when you choose a different soil.
FROM MEASUREMENTS TO MATERIAL
Volume first. Weight depends on the soil.
Match the material
Topsoil is intended as a growing layer; fill dirt is used to fill space or change levels. Names alone do not establish plant suitability or suitability for structural fill. Check the supplier’s product specification.
Bulk density includes gaps between particles. Moisture, composition, and packing affect delivered weight. Leave density blank if it is unknown: volume still calculates.
Build the budget
Order volume = measured volume × (1 + extra % ÷ 100). With density, weight = order volume × bulk density. Cost = order quantity × unit price + delivery.
Volume-based cost works without density. Ton-based cost needs density. Prices are your inputs in USD; tax, labor, equipment, and unentered fees are excluded.
WORKED EXAMPLE
A 20 ft × 10 ft area, 6 inches deep
6 in = 0.5 ft. Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 ft³, or 3.704 yd³. At the illustrative density of 2,000 lb/yd³, weight is 7,407.407 lb, or 3.704 US short tons. At $45/yd³ plus $60 delivery, with no extra allowance, the estimate is $226.67.
The density is an example from a specific topsoil blend; it is not a rating for every topsoil or dirt product. Confirm your own product before ordering or planning transport.
Topsoil, dirt, and settlement: what to check
Is topsoil the same as fill dirt?
No. Topsoil describes a surface growing layer, while fill dirt describes a material used for filling. Ask what the delivered product contains and whether it is appropriate for your purpose. A quantity estimate does not test soil quality, drainage, contaminants, or load-bearing performance.
What if I do not know the soil density?
Leave the density field blank. The tool will show cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, and volume-based cost. Weight remains unknown. Enter the supplier’s loose bulk density or tons-per-yard value to obtain weight and ton-priced cost.
Does extra material calculate settlement or compaction?
No. It adds the percentage you choose to the measured volume. It is not a validated settlement model. If you need a finished depth after settling or a compacted fill, get the supplier or project professional’s loose-to-finished-volume recommendation; do not assume that a generic extra percentage will produce that depth.
Can I use this for a raised bed or lawn?
You can estimate its rectangular or circular space. Measure the area that will actually receive new soil and subtract material already present. Choose a growing medium appropriate to the planting plan: this tool does not prescribe a topsoil/compost recipe or fertilizer rate.
Can I calculate bags from their weight?
Use the bag’s stated volume when planning coverage. Bags with the same weight can contain different volumes. This tool estimates bulk quantities; it does not turn a generic bag weight into a guaranteed number of bags.
What does a ton mean here?
A US short ton is 2,000 lb. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg. Weight results show both, and the price-per-ton option specifically means a US short ton.
Sources and density assumptions
The default topsoil example uses 2,000 lb/yd³, the upper end of the approximately 1,800–2,000 lb/yd³ stated in Agri Service’s 70/30 Topsoil product sheet. This is a product-specific reference, not a universal soil value. Fill dirt has no default density.
Utah State University Extension’s topsoil quality guidelines explain why product quality matters. For raised-bed growing media, see University of Minnesota Extension. These guides do not certify the density or suitability of your delivery.
Conversions use NIST conversion factors. Sources reviewed October 9, 2026. Internal calculations keep full precision; displayed quantities round to three decimals and money to cents.