Topsoil for a Lawn
Adding topsoil to a lawn depends on the goal: a thin 1/4–1/2 inch layer to top-dress and level an existing lawn, or 3–4 inches to build a new lawn bed. Enter your lawn's area and the depth you need below.
Source: Home Depot / Lowe's bag listings + regional bulk screened-topsoil averages
Estimate topsoil for your lawn
Prefilled for a 40 × 25 ft lawn at 1" — adjust to your size.
Material only, $20–$45 per cubic yard. Delivery and labor not included. Estimates only — not engineering advice.
Tips for lawns
- Top-dressing: spread only 1/4–1/2 inch so you don't smother existing grass, then rake it in.
- New lawn: 3–4 inches of screened topsoil gives roots room to establish.
- Water and let it settle before seeding — topsoil compacts noticeably when wet.
Topsoil cost breakdown
- Bulk screened topsoil (per cubic yard)
- $20–$45 per yard; premium garden mixes and compost blends run higher.
- Bagged topsoil (~1 cu ft)
- $2–$5 per bag. Convenient for small jobs but far pricier per yard than bulk.
- Delivery
- $50–$120 per load for bulk, usually with a minimum order.
- Spreading / grading (optional)
- $25–$60 per cubic yard if you hire it out.
Frequently asked questions
How much topsoil to top-dress a 1,000 sq ft lawn?
At 1/4–1/2 inch, a 1,000 square foot lawn needs about 0.75–1.5 cubic yards of topsoil. Keep the layer thin so you don't bury the existing grass.
How much topsoil do I need?
Multiply the area's length × width in feet by the depth in feet (inches ÷ 12), then divide by 27 for cubic yards. The calculator above does this and adds 8% for settling.
How much topsoil to level or start a lawn?
For top-dressing an existing lawn, spread 1/4–1/2 inch — about 0.75–1.5 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet. For a brand-new lawn bed, add 3–4 inches of screened topsoil.
How many bags of topsoil in a cubic yard?
About 27 bags of 1 cubic foot topsoil make one cubic yard. Bagged soil is convenient but much more expensive per yard than bulk.
How much does a yard of topsoil cost?
Bulk screened topsoil runs about $20–$45 per cubic yard, plus $50–$120 for delivery. Premium garden and compost blends cost more.