Cubic Yards Needed
3.70
Bags (40 lb)
100
Weight
8,148 lbs
Cost (bulk)
$93–$148
Fresh lawn installation over bare soil
Topsoil Needed
3.70
cubic yards
Volume
100 cu ft
Weight
8,148 lbs
(4.07 tons)
At ~1 cu ft per bag
Bulk delivery saves significantly for orders over 1 cu yd. Add $50–$100 for delivery fee.
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Price as of Jun 27, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Inputs
Result
Volume = 1,000 × 4/12 = 333.3 cu ft = 12.35 cu yd. Weight = 12.35 × 2,200 = 27,160 lbs. Bags = ceil(333.3/1) = 334 bags. Bulk at $25–$40/cu yd = $309–$494.
Inputs
Result
Area = 20 × 15 = 300 sq ft. Volume = 300 × 8/12 = 200 cu ft = 7.41 cu yd. Weight = 7.41 × 2,200 = 16,296 lbs. Bulk at $25–$40/cu yd = $185–$296.
Inputs
Result
Volume = 2,000 × 0.5/12 = 83.3 cu ft = 3.09 cu yd. Weight = 3.09 × 2,200 = 6,790 lbs. Bulk at $25–$40/cu yd = $77–$124.
For a new lawn, apply 4–6 inches of topsoil over the area. A 1,000 sq ft lawn at 4 inches deep needs 12.3 cubic yards of topsoil, weighing about 13.5 tons. At 6 inches deep, you need 18.5 cubic yards.
| Lawn Size | Depth 4" | Depth 6" | Bulk Cost (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 6.2 cu yd | 9.3 cu yd | $155–$370 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 12.3 cu yd | 18.5 cu yd | $310–$740 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 24.7 cu yd | 37.0 cu yd | $620–$1,480 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 61.7 cu yd | 92.6 cu yd | $1,545–$3,700 |
Garden beds need 8–12 inches of topsoil for most vegetables and flowers. Shallow-rooted plants like lettuce need 6–8 inches, while root vegetables and tomatoes prefer 10–12 inches for full root development.
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich top 4–12 inches of earth, containing organic matter that supports plant growth. Fill dirt is subsoil from below the topsoil layer — it lacks nutrients and is used for grading and filling, not growing.
| Property | Topsoil | Fill Dirt |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Matter | 5–10% | <1% |
| Plant Growth | Excellent | Poor |
| Cost/cu yd | $25–$40 | $8–$15 |
| Best Use | Lawns, gardens | Grading, filling |
Bulk topsoil at $25–$40 per cubic yard is significantly cheaper than bagged for large projects. Bagged topsoil costs $5–$7 per 40 lb bag (about 1 cu ft), which translates to $135–$189 per cubic yard. Bulk saves 60–80% on material cost.
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Read our guide
Read our guide
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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.
