Don’t Guesstimate—Calculate Your Topsoil Needs Like a Pro

Whether you’re prepping for sod, leveling out your backyard, or building raised beds, one question stops most homeowners in their tracks:

“How much topsoil do I actually need?”

Over-order and you waste money. Under-order and you stall your project mid-way. Fortunately, with the right formula (and a few real-world tips), it’s easy to get it right the first time—especially if you’re ordering in bulk in Salt Lake City.

Step 1: Understand How Topsoil Is Measured

Topsoil is typically sold by the cubic yard, not by the bag.
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet

Coverage depends on how deep you need the soil to be. Here’s a quick reference:

Step 2: Use the Topsoil Formula

To calculate how many cubic yards you need:

Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards

Step 3: Apply It to Common Salt Lake City Projects

For Lawn Installation (Sod or Seed)

Recommended depth: 3–4 inches
Example: 20 ft × 30 ft area @ 3″
20 × 30 × 3 ÷ 324 = 5.5 yards
Order 6 cubic yards to be safe

For Raised Garden Beds

Recommended depth: 10–12 inches (or mix with compost)
Example: 4 ft × 8 ft × 12” = 32 cubic feet
32 ÷ 27 = 1.18 yards
Order 1.25–1.5 yards

For Leveling Uneven Lawns

Recommended depth: 1–2 inches
Example: 15 ft × 20 ft @ 2″
15 × 20 × 2 ÷ 324 = 1.85 yards
Order 2 cubic yards

Step 4: Round Up for Compaction and Margin

Soil settles, and you’ll want a little wiggle room. Always round up to the nearest 0.5 yard—especially if you’re filling deep areas or dealing with rocky native soil.

Step 5: Save Time with Bulk Delivery

Ordering in bulk isn’t just easier—it’s smarter:

• Save money per yard compared to bags
• Avoid multiple trips to the store
• Get $75 full truck delivery (10+ yards) anywhere in Salt Lake, Utah, or Davis Counties

Order screened topsoil now

Bonus Tip: Use a Topsoil + Compost Mix for Gardens

Want richer results? Our Topsoil + Compost Mix is ideal for flower beds, vegetables, and raised boxes. It provides structure and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How deep should topsoil be for new grass?
A: 3–4 inches is ideal. Add more if you’re dealing with rocky or clay-heavy soil.

Q: What if my project area is curved or irregular?
A: Break it into smaller rectangles, circles, or triangles. Estimate each part, then add the totals together.

Q: Can I mix topsoil into existing soil instead of adding a full layer?
A: Yes! For basic lawn repair or root zone improvement, mixing in 1–2 inches of topsoil can make a big difference.

Let’s Do the Heavy Lifting

Now that you know how to calculate exactly what you need, skip the guesswork and go straight to the good part: delivery.

Get bulk topsoil delivered to your Salt Lake City home with our $75 full truck special.