Worked example: 6 inches deep
| Step | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 4 ft × 8 ft | 32 sq ft |
| Volume at 6 in | 32 × 6 ÷ 12 | 16.0 ft³ |
| Add 10% for settling | 16.0 × 1.10 | 17.6 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 17.6 ÷ 27 | 0.65 yd³ |
| Tons | 0.65 × 1.1 | 0.72 tons |
| 0.75 ft³ bags (40 lb) | 17.6 ÷ 0.75 | 24 bags |
| 1.5 ft³ bags | 17.6 ÷ 1.5 | 12 bags |
Topsoil by depth
| Depth | Cubic feet | Cubic yards (+10%) | Tons | Bulk order (yd³) | Delivered | 0.75 ft³ bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in | 10.7 | 0.43 | 0.48 | 1.0 | $110 | 16 |
| 6 in | 16.0 | 0.65 | 0.72 | 1.0 | $110 | 24 |
| 8 in | 21.3 | 0.87 | 0.96 | 1.0 | $110 | 32 |
| 12 in | 32.0 | 1.30 | 1.43 | 1.5 | $128 | 47 |
Bags are cheaper at 6 inches: $78 in 0.75 ft³ bags versus $110 delivered. A cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 1.1 tons dry and more when wet, so check your truck or trailer limit.
Prices used: 0.75 ft³ bag $3.25, 1.5 ft³ bag $6.50; bulk topsoil $35/yd³ plus $75 delivery (1 yd³ minimum).
Vegetable and flower beds are commonly filled 6 to 12 inches deep, often with a mix of topsoil and compost rather than topsoil alone. See raised bed soil.
Nearby sizes
Also see 10×10 garden , 10×20 garden, or the topsoil size chart. Open the topsoil calculator to change the size.