Topsoil: Depth, Weight & Grades
Screened, blended, or fill — how to spec and order the right topsoil.
Topsoil is the top 6–12″ of native soil, ideally rich in organic matter. Bulk topsoil is sold by the yard; a screened blend with compost is standard for lawns and gardens.
Weight
~2,000–2,700 lb per cubic yard
Density
75–100 lb/ft³
Coverage
1 cubic yard covers 100 sq ft at 3″, 55 sq ft at 6″, or 27 sq ft at 12″.
How do I calculate how much topsoil I need?
For new lawns, spread 4–6″ over graded subsoil. For beds, 8–12″. For repairing low spots, match the surrounding depth.
Weight varies widely with moisture: dry screened topsoil is ~2,000 lb/yd³, wet topsoil can exceed 3,000 lb/yd³. Order by volume, not weight.
What is topsoil used for?
- New lawn installation
- Raised beds and gardens
- Grading and low-spot repair
- Tree and shrub planting
Which types of topsoil are there?
Screened topsoil
Sifted to remove rocks and debris. Standard for lawns.
Garden blend
Topsoil + compost + sand. Rich, well-draining.
Fill dirt
Unscreened. Structural fill, not for growing.
Loam
Balanced sand/silt/clay. The gold standard for growing.
What else do people ask about topsoil?
How deep should topsoil be for grass?
4–6 inches over prepared subsoil for new lawns.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
About 2,000 lb dry, up to 2,700 lb wet.
What's the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is nutrient-rich and screened for growing; fill dirt is subsoil used for grading and structural fill.