Topsoil and fill dirt calculator
Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you are filling, and choose topsoil or fill dirt. This tool estimates tons needed and includes a 10 percent waste allowance.
Your dimensions
Tons needed
1.5
Estimated cost: $37 to $66
Prices are typical ranges as of June 2026. Your local price will vary.
Assumptions
- •Topsoil uses a typical loose bulk density of 80 lb per cubic foot; fill dirt uses 85 lb per cubic foot. Both are moisture-dependent estimates.
- •Estimates loose material as delivered, before compaction or settling.
- •Price range is a typical bulk yard/quarry range and excludes delivery fees.
Questions this calculator answers
How much topsoil do I need for a 10 by 10 foot garden bed at 4 inches deep?
About 1.3 tons before waste, or 1.5 tons with the typical 10 percent waste allowance. That is 100 square feet times 4 inches of depth, or 33.3 cubic feet, divided by 27 to get 1.23 cubic yards, times about 1.1 tons per cubic yard for topsoil at 80 pounds per cubic foot.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich surface layer used for planting and lawns. Fill dirt is subsoil used to raise grade or fill low spots and is not meant to grow anything in; it is typically denser and cheaper than topsoil.
How deep should topsoil be for a new lawn?
4 to 6 inches is typical for a new lawn or garden bed, enough for root development without needing to remove much existing soil.
Why does topsoil weight vary so much?
Topsoil weight depends heavily on moisture content and organic matter. This calculator uses a typical dry-ish loose density of 80 pounds per cubic foot, but soil straight from a wet stockpile can weigh noticeably more.
Should I compact fill dirt after spreading it?
Yes, especially before building on top of it. Fill dirt compacts significantly from its loose delivered volume, so grading jobs often need more material than a simple volume calculation suggests if heavy compaction is required.