Soil & Landscaping Calculators
Soil and landscaping calculators figure out topsoil, sand, and mulch quantities in cubic yards or bags for beds, lawns, and fill projects.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer that supports plant growth. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter — cheaper, denser, and used for grading and filling holes, never as a growing medium. For a raised bed, you want topsoil or a garden mix; for leveling a low spot, fill dirt topped with a few inches of topsoil.
Is it cheaper to buy soil and mulch in bags or in bulk?
Bulk wins on price for anything over about 2 cubic yards, but requires delivery or a pickup truck. Bags win on convenience for small beds — and our calculators show both bag counts and cubic yards so you can compare.
How much should I compact or settle soil into my estimate?
Delivered topsoil and fill settle roughly 10-20% after watering and foot traffic. For fills that need to end up at a precise grade, order extra or plan a second topping load after the first settles.