Topsoil Bag Calculator
Bags versus bulk topsoil for your area and depth.
Enter your values
Enter the area in sq ft.
Enter the depth in in.
Enter the bag size in cu ft.
Enter the cost per bag in $.
Enter the bulk cost per yard in $.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Bags needed
- 100 x 0.75 cu ft
- Volume
- 75 cu ft (2.78 yd3)
- Cost in bags
- $400.00
- Cost in bulk
- $135.00
- Cheaper option
- Bulk delivery
Working
- 1300 ft2 x 0.25 ft = 75 ft3 -> 100 bags
Quick answer
Bags = total cubic feet divided by bag size. Bulk delivery normally becomes cheaper past about one cubic yard.
bags = area x depth/12 / bag size
At a glance
| What it does | Bags versus bulk topsoil for your area and depth. |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & DIY |
| Inputs needed | Area, Depth, Bag size, Cost per bag, Bulk cost per yard |
| Main output | Bags needed |
| Formula | bags = area x depth/12 / bag size |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Topsoil Bag Calculator
- 1Measure the area and choose your depth - 2 to 3 inches for topdressing, 6+ for new beds.
- 2Enter your local bag and bulk prices.
- 3Remember bulk needs somewhere to dump it and a wheelbarrow.
Inputs explained
- Area(sq ft)
- Enter the area in sq ft.
- Depth(in)
- Enter the depth in in.
- Bag size(cu ft)
- Enter the bag size in cu ft.
- Cost per bag($)
- Enter the cost per bag in $.
- Bulk cost per yard($)
- Enter the bulk cost per yard in $.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Area300 sq ft
- Depth3 in
- Bag size0.75 cu ft
- Cost per bag4 $
- Bulk cost per yard45 $
Results
- Bags needed100 x 0.75 cu ft
- Volume75 cu ft (2.78 yd3)
- Cost in bags$400.00
- Cost in bulk$135.00
- Cheaper optionBulk delivery
- 300 ft2 x 0.25 ft = 75 ft3 -> 100 bags
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil in a yard?
Thirty-six 0.75 cu ft bags, or eighteen 1.5 cu ft bags, make one cubic yard.
Topsoil or garden soil?
Topsoil is a base for levelling and filling. Garden or raised-bed soil is amended with compost and is what plants actually want to grow in.
What do I need to enter into the Topsoil Bag Calculator?
Just 5 values: area, depth, bag size, cost per bag, bulk cost per yard. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Topsoil Bag Calculator work out the answer?
Bags = total cubic feet divided by bag size. Bulk delivery normally becomes cheaper past about one cubic yard. It applies the formula bags = area x depth/12 / bag size and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Topsoil Bag Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.