TC TopsoilCalc

Reverse volume calculator

Topsoil Coverage Chart

Already know how many cubic yards of topsoil you have? Enter the amount and depth to calculate how many square feet or square meters it will cover.

1 cubic yard covers 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep.

Coverage Calculator

Planned coverage
73.6 sq ft
6.84 sq m
0.0017 acres

Theoretical coverage is 81.0 sq ft; planned coverage reserves 10% for settling.

How Much Does One Cubic Yard of Topsoil Cover?

Coverage changes in direct proportion to depth. A thinner layer covers more ground; a deeper growing layer covers less.

Topsoil depthSquare feet coveredSquare meters coveredTypical use
1 inch324 sq ft30.1 sq mLight topdressing
2 inches162 sq ft15.1 sq mLawn improvement
3 inches108 sq ft10.0 sq mSod preparation
4 inches81 sq ft7.5 sq mNew lawn base
6 inches54 sq ft5.0 sq mFlower beds
8 inches40.5 sq ft3.8 sq mShallow vegetables
12 inches27 sq ft2.5 sq mDeep garden beds
1 in
324 sq ft
2 in
162 sq ft
3 in
108 sq ft
4 in
81 sq ft
6 in
54 sq ft
12 in
27 sq ft

Coverage by Cubic Yards and Depth

Use this quick chart when ordering common quantities. Values are theoretical square-foot coverage before allowing for settling, compaction or uneven ground.

Amount2 inches deep3 inches deep4 inches deep6 inches deep
1 cubic yard162 sq ft108 sq ft81 sq ft54 sq ft
2 cubic yards324 sq ft216 sq ft162 sq ft108 sq ft
3 cubic yards486 sq ft324 sq ft243 sq ft162 sq ft
5 cubic yards810 sq ft540 sq ft405 sq ft270 sq ft
10 cubic yards1,620 sq ft1,080 sq ft810 sq ft540 sq ft

The Coverage Formula

A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. Convert the spread depth from inches to feet, then divide the available volume by that depth.

US coverage formula Square feet = cubic yards x 324 / depth in inches

Plan for Real Ground

The chart assumes a perfectly level area and loose, uncompacted material. Real projects usually cover slightly less because soil settles and low spots take extra material.

  • Reserve 5% for a measured, fairly level project.
  • Reserve 10% for uneven ground or new lawn preparation.
  • Ask the supplier whether the quoted yard is loose or compacted.

Topsoil Coverage FAQ

How many square feet does one yard of topsoil cover?

One cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, 108 square feet at 3 inches, 81 square feet at 4 inches and 54 square feet at 6 inches.

How much area will 5 yards of topsoil cover?

Five cubic yards cover about 810 square feet at 2 inches deep, 540 square feet at 3 inches, 405 square feet at 4 inches or 270 square feet at 6 inches.

Does one cubic yard always cover the same area?

No. Coverage depends on spread depth. Soil condition, compaction, settling and uneven ground can also reduce the practical area covered.

How many yards do I need for 1,000 square feet?

At 4 inches deep, 1,000 square feet needs about 12.35 cubic yards before extra allowance. Use the main Topsoil Calculator to enter your exact area and depth.

Is this chart suitable for mulch or compost?

Yes for volume coverage: one cubic yard is the same volume for topsoil, mulch and compost. Weight estimates differ by material and moisture.