Area dimensions
Depth of topsoil needed
4 inches is the minimum for establishing a new lawn from seed or sod.
Frequently Asked Questions About Topsoil
How much topsoil do I need?
To find how much topsoil you need, multiply the length and width of the area in feet by the depth in feet (divide inches by 12), which gives cubic feet; divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, a 20 ft x 10 ft bed filled 6 inches deep is 20 x 10 x 0.5 = 100 cubic feet, or about 3.7 cubic yards. Topsoil is usually sold by the cubic yard in bulk or by the bag for small jobs. Our Topsoil Calculator returns both cubic yards and bag counts.
What’s the difference between topsoil, garden soil, and fill dirt?
Topsoil is the upper layer of natural soil, screened to remove debris, and is good for leveling, lawns, and general landscaping. Garden soil is topsoil enriched with compost and nutrients, formulated specifically for growing plants and vegetables. Fill dirt is subsoil from below the topsoil layer, contains little organic matter, and is used for filling holes, raising grade, and structural support rather than growing. For planting, choose topsoil or garden soil; for raising low areas, fill dirt works and compacts well.
How deep should topsoil be for grass or a garden?
For a new lawn, spread 3 to 6 inches of topsoil so grass roots have room to establish. For garden beds and vegetable plots, aim for 6 to 12 inches of quality topsoil, since deeper soil supports stronger root systems and better drainage. Raised beds are typically filled 8 to 12 inches deep. For simply overseeding or top-dressing an existing lawn, a thin 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer is enough. Deeper applications need significantly more soil, so set your depth before calculating.
Should I get screened or unscreened topsoil?
Screened topsoil has been sifted to remove rocks, roots, and debris, leaving a fine, uniform texture that’s ideal for lawns, raised beds, leveling, and anywhere you want a smooth finish. Unscreened topsoil is cheaper and fine for filling large areas or rough grading where appearance and texture matter less, but it may contain clumps and stones. For seeding a lawn or planting directly, screened soil gives more consistent results. Match the grade of soil to how fine and workable you need the surface to be.
How do I prepare ground before adding topsoil?
Start by clearing weeds, grass, rocks, and debris from the area, then loosen the existing soil a few inches deep so the new topsoil bonds with it instead of forming a separate layer that can shift or drain poorly. Rough-grade the area to establish drainage away from buildings. Spread the topsoil evenly with a rake, then lightly firm it. Mixing some new topsoil into the existing soil at the boundary helps roots transition and prevents a hard interface that blocks water and roots.