How this topsoil calculator works
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard or cubic meter in bulk, and by bags for small jobs. The calculator finds volume from your area and depth and estimates weight with a density figure — screened topsoil weighs roughly 0.95 tons per cubic yard (about 1.1–1.2 tonnes per cubic meter) when moderately moist. Moisture changes soil weight a lot, so treat the weight as an estimate for delivery planning.
How much topsoil for a new lawn?
Seeding a new lawn calls for 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of quality topsoil. Overseeding or repairing an existing lawn needs only a ¼–½ inch (0.5–1 cm) topdressing. Raised beds are usually filled 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) deep, often with a topsoil-compost blend rather than pure topsoil.
Bulk or bagged?
Bulk wins above about half a cubic yard — bagged topsoil typically costs three to five times more per unit of volume. One cubic yard equals roughly 36 bags of the common 40 lb size, or about 19 × 40 L bags per cubic meter. If access is tight or you're topping up a few planters, bags are the practical choice.
Topsoil vs. garden soil vs. compost
Topsoil is the base: screened natural soil for grading, filling and lawns. Garden soil is topsoil blended with organic matter for planting beds. Compost is a soil amendment, not a fill — mix 1–2 inches into beds rather than planting straight into it. For a new bed, a 60/40 topsoil-compost mix is a common recipe.