/// Answer-first planning notes
How many cubic yards of topsoil fit my measured depth?
| Planning input | Calculation role | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Planting area | Sets the horizontal footprint | Exclude spaces that will not receive soil |
| Finished depth | Turns area into volume | Use the landscape plan's placed depth |
| Optional density | Adds a weight estimate | Use the actual blend's supplier value |
ProjectQty's imperial and metric geometry uses the international foot, which is defined as exactly 0.3048 meter.
Evidence: National Institute of Standards and Technology/// Formula & field notes
How this topsoil estimate works
FormulaCubic yards = total square feet × depth in feet ÷ 27. Optional tons use the selected bulk density.
Worked example
A 1,000 ft² lawn covered 2 in deep requires about 6.17 yd³ before waste or settlement allowance.
/// Source trail
Data & assumptions
Every source has a declared scope. A reference can support a conversion or product assumption without turning this estimate into a supplier quote.
Exact international-foot to meter conversion; U.S. survey-foot conversion is explicitly outside this claim.
Effective 2025-08-18 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Independent confirmation that one international foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters; U.S. survey-foot conversion remains distinct.
Effective 2025-06-10 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Exact international avoirdupois-pound conversion; troy and apothecaries pounds are excluded.
Effective 2026-01-06 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Independent statutory confirmation of the exact international avoirdupois-pound definition.
Effective 1985-10-30 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Exact U.S. short-ton definition; long ton and metric tonne are excluded.
Effective 2026-01-06 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Independent statutory confirmation that the U.S. short ton is 2,000 avoirdupois pounds.
Effective 2026-04-17 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15/// Common questions
Topsoil calculator FAQ
How much extra topsoil should I order?
Use a project-specific allowance for irregular excavation, compaction, spillage, cuts, and supplier minimums. ProjectQty starts at zero instead of guessing; enter the allowance your plan or supplier supports, then confirm the final cubic yards or tons.
Is the result a supplier quote?
No. ProjectQty calculates quantities from your dimensions and assumptions. Prices are optional user inputs, not live local quotes, and delivery, taxes, minimum loads, and labor are not included unless you add them separately.
Can I use metric measurements?
Yes. Switch to Metric before entering measurements. ProjectQty normalizes the geometry internally and shows the most useful ordering units for the selected material.