Topsoil Calculator
Calculate topsoil volume and weight — cubic yards, tons and pounds with density, plus cost per yard/ton with waste. Enter dimensions, select units and add waste to get instant, supplier-ready numbers.
Enter dimensions above to calculate
- Enter values to see step-by-step substitution.
Engineering Assumptions:
- Depth and density must describe the same state: loose delivered material or the finished compacted layer.
- Density varies with grading, moisture and compaction. A supplier quote is more reliable than a generic default. Short tons are 2,000 lb.
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TOP VIEW — Length × Width
SECTION — Placed thickness 10in
What Is This Calculator?
The Topsoil Calculator — Sizes gravel and aggregate for driveways and patios — volume, weight and cost with density.
What Does It Calculate?
- Cubic yards and cubic feet
- Tons and pounds using 1.35–1.60 t/yd³
- Cost per ton or per yard with waste
How to Use the Calculator
- Measure Topsoil 20 ft x 10 ft x 4 in — use feet for length/width and inches for thickness where typical.
- Enter values and select units. The calculator converts to feet before calculating (inches /12, yards x3).
- Adjust waste % and optional price, then click Calculate. Results show with waste included.
- Use Reset to clear and try another size.
Formula & Engineering Methodology
Volume = length × width × depth × sections; order volume = volume × (1 + allowance / 100); weight = order volume × density.
- L — Length for Topsoil in feet
- W — Width for Topsoil in feet
- D — Depth for Topsoil in feet
All units convert to exact standard engineering dimensions (NIST SP 811) before calculation to ensure consistency between US Customary and Metric measurements.
Worked Example
Example: Topsoil 20 ft x 10 ft x 4 in
| STEP | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Convert depth | 4 in /12 = 0.333 ft |
| Cubic feet | 20 x 10 x 0.333 = 66.67 ft3 |
| Cubic yards | 66.67 /27 = 2.47 yd3 |
| With 10% waste | 2.72 yd3 |
Construction Information
Material: Pea gravel 1.35 t/yd³, crushed stone 1.40, river rock 1.33, limestone 1.60, sand 1.30. Confirm with scale ticket — moisture adds 10%.
- Measure longest x widest; split L-shapes into two rectangles and add.
- Compact subgrade — soft spots add thickness.
- For structural sizing (beams, headers, rebar) verify with a professional per local code.
Material Information
Pea gravel 1.35 t/yd³, crushed stone 1.40, river rock 1.33, limestone 1.60, sand 1.30. Confirm with scale ticket — moisture adds 10%.
Waste & Overages
Open-graded stone settles ~8% (×1.10), crusher run compacts 15–25% (×1.20). Add after volume.
Practical Tips
- Use fabric under decorative gravel
- Crown driveway center 2% for drainage
Common Mistakes
- Mixing tons and yards without density
- Not adding compaction for crusher run
Assumptions & Engineering References
- Depth and density must describe the same state: loose delivered material or the finished compacted layer.
- Density varies with grading, moisture and compaction. A supplier quote is more reliable than a generic default. Short tons are 2,000 lb.
This calculator provides an estimate based on your inputs. Actual requirements vary by site, material and installation. For code-regulated or load-bearing work, consult a qualified professional.
Calculations run 100% in your browser — zero tracking of your dimensions or input data.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the Topsoil Calculator calculate?
The Topsoil Calculator estimates topsoil quantity for US jobs — Cubic yards and cubic feet, Tons and pounds using 1.35–1.60 t/yd³, Cost per ton or per yard with waste. Enter dimensions, choose units, add waste and price to get instant results.
How do I measure for topsoil?
Measure topsoil 20 ft x 10 ft x 4 in on site. Use the unit selectors — the tool converts inches→feet (÷12) and yards→feet (×3) before math. For non-rectangular, split into rectangles and add.
How much waste should I add?
Open-graded stone settles ~8% (×1.10), crusher run compacts 15–25% (×1.20). Add after volume.
How accurate is this topsoil estimate?
Math is exact for your inputs. Actual needs vary by site, material and installation. Add 5–10% waste for rectangular, 10–15% for irregular.
About Calculator Street
Built by Vipul Otari for US homeowners & contractors. Calculator inputs are processed in your browser. Estimates depend on your measurements, product specifications and the assumptions shown on this page. Confirm order quantities with your supplier and structural requirements with your project designer. Page updated: 2026-09-11.