How Many Yards of Topsoil Do I Need?

Calculations

• Measure the length and width of the space you wish to cover with topsoil and multiply the number to determine the area. When measuring irregularly shaped places, break up the areas into measurable shapes such as triangles or rectangles.

  Take the area measurement and multiply the number by the depth of topsoil you will want. Divide the cubic feet by the number 3 to determine the cubic yards.

  For example, to cover an 8-foot by 8-foot area with 6 inches of topsoil, you would multiply 8 x 8 and then multiply the area by 6 inches. Then divide the number by 3 feet. Rounded up to the nearest cubic yard, you would need to order 11 cubic yards of topsoil.

Prices

• The University of Connecticut notes that topsoil normally ranges in price from $15 to $25 per cubic yard, although the price may vary based on your region of the country, delivery charges and the quality of the soil. Although you can save some money by buying soil that has not been screened to remove debris, some gardeners think the money savings is not worth the time it would take to remove the rocks yourself.

Considerations

• There is no exact definition or standard for topsoil, and frequently the words "topsoil" and "loam" are used interchangeably. Topsoil in it's truest sense is what the name infers -- the uppermost portion of soil. It is normally darker than subsoil. When shopping for topsoil, look for soil free from rocks or debris larger than 3 inches in diameter. Organic matter is desirable but should not exceed 10 percent of the overall soil mixture. Look for well draining soils that do not contain too much sand or clay.

Tips

• Keep in mind that the topsoil you install will settle a bit once it has raked and then rolled. A good rule of thumb is that 6 inches of topsoil will compress to about 5 inches high. Although you may pick up topsoil yourself, many companies require that you purchase at least 3 cubic yards to help cover delivery costs to your home.