Topsoil Calculator for New Lawns
Estimate topsoil for a new lawn before seeding or sodding.
A new lawn needs about 4–6 inches of good topsoil so grass roots can establish. The calculator starts at 4 inches; go deeper over poor subsoil. It also reports tons, since topsoil is often sold by weight.
Topsoil Calculator
Estimate how much you need — and the cost.
- cubic feet 33.33
- cubic meters 0.944
- tons (US) 1.3
- tonnes 1.18
Tip: Rake and lightly firm the topsoil before seeding so the surface is even and seed-to-soil contact is good.
How it's calculated
1 cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1 in / about 81 sq ft at 4 in deep; about 1.05 US tons per cubic yard.
See the full Topsoil Calculator for the complete how-to, unit conversions, and data sources.
Topsoil Calculator for New Lawns FAQ
How much topsoil for a new lawn?
About 4–6 inches. A 1,000 sq ft lawn at 4 inches needs roughly 12.3 cubic yards (around 13 tons).
How deep should topsoil be for grass seed?
At least 4 inches of loose, screened topsoil gives roots room to establish; 6 inches is better over compacted or poor ground.