Dirt & Topsoil Calculator

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Types of Dirt & Topsoil

🌱 Topsoil

Rich organic matter. Perfect for lawns, gardens, and planting beds. Typically the top 2–8 inches of earth.

🏗️ Fill Dirt

Sub-soil without organics. Used to raise grade, fill holes, and compact well under structures.

🔄 Garden Soil

Pre-amended blend of topsoil, compost and organic matter. Ideal for raised garden beds.

Coverage Table

Area (sq ft)	2" Deep	4" Deep	6" Deep
100 sq ft	0.62 yd³	1.23 yd³	1.85 yd³
250 sq ft	1.54 yd³	3.09 yd³	4.63 yd³
500 sq ft	3.09 yd³	6.17 yd³	9.26 yd³
1,000 sq ft	6.17 yd³	12.35 yd³	18.52 yd³

Tips for Ordering Dirt

Order 10–15% more than calculated — dirt settles after it's spread and compacted.
Fill dirt is usually sold by the cubic yard and delivered by truck (typically 10 or 14 yd³ loads).
For lawn topdressing, a depth of 1/2–1 inch is usually sufficient.
Test your soil before adding topsoil — you may only need compost to improve existing soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?

A cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 1,080–1,350 kg (2,200–3,000 lbs), depending on moisture content. Fill dirt is typically lighter at around 1,000–1,200 kg/yd³.

What's the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?

Fill dirt is subsoil without organic material — it compacts well and is used to raise grades. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich top layer used for growing plants.

How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?

6 inches (15 cm) of quality topsoil is ideal for establishing a new lawn. For overseeding and topdressing existing lawns, 1/4 to 1/2 inch is sufficient.

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Types of Dirt & Topsoil

Coverage Table

Tips for Ordering Dirt

Frequently Asked Questions