Topsoil Calculator: Professional Material Estimator for Landscaping Projects
Stop guessing and start calculating with precision. Our advanced calculator accounts for soil compaction, material density variations, and project-specific requirements to deliver accurate estimates that save you money and prevent project delays.
Quick Topsoil Calculator
Visual Breakdown
What is Topsoil? The Essential Guide
Understanding the foundation of your garden
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, usually the top 2 to 8 inches. It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs. Plants concentrate their roots in this layer, obtaining vital nutrients required for healthy growth.
Unlike fill dirt or subsoil, quality topsoil is dark, rich, and friable (crumbly). It allows water to drain well while retaining enough moisture for plants to thrive.
Visual Guide: Soil Layers
(Topsoil vs Subsoil vs Bedrock)
Topsoil vs Garden Soil vs Fill Dirt: Detailed Comparison
Use this guide to choose the perfect material for your specific project.
| Feature |
Topsoil
|
Garden Soil
|
Fill Dirt
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | New lawns, leveling ground, filling large holes, base for sod | Flower beds, vegetable gardens, raised beds, enriching existing soil | Raising grading, building foundations, creating berms, under patios |
| Composition | Native soil (sandy, loamy, clay) sometimes blended with minimal compost. Can be screened or unscreened. | Topsoil heavily enriched with compost, peat moss, and fertilizers. Specific blends for flowers or veggies. | Subsoil with little to no organic matter. May contain rocks, sand, and clay. Not screened for consistency. |
| Key Pros | Cost-effective for large areas, good for establishing grass, improves drainage and structure. | Superior nutrients for plant growth, improves water retention, ready-to-use for planting. | Very inexpensive, highly compactable and stable for structural projects, won't decompose. |
| Key Cons / Warnings | Nutrient levels vary widely. Low-quality topsoil may contain weeds or contaminants. | More expensive. Can be too rich for some plants or lawns. Not for use as structural fill. | DO NOT use for growing plants. Poor drainage, lacks nutrients, may compact too hard. |
| Approx. Cost per Cubic Yard* | $20 - $50 (Unscreened to Screened) | $40 - $80 | $10 - $25 |
Still Not Sure? Quick Decision Guide:
- Planting Grass or Leveling Lawn? → Choose Topsoil.
- Starting a Flower or Vegetable Garden? → Choose Garden Soil.
- Filling a Hole or Building Up Land (No Plants)? → Choose Fill Dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Topsoil
Common questions about buying and using topsoil
Typically $30-$50 per cubic yard, plus delivery.
4 to 6 inches is recommended for healthy root establishment.
Yes (Top Dressing), but only 1/4 to 1/2 inch at a time.
About 9 standard contractor wheelbarrow loads.