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.
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.
Read our guide
Read our guide
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 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.