How much topsoil do you need for 500 square feet?
Spreading topsoil 4 inches deep over 500 sq ft takes 6.17 cubic yards — roughly 7.1 tons, or 223 bags of 0.75 cu ft.
Change the numbers
The calculator below is pre-filled for this project. Adjust any value — including feet and inches — and the results update instantly.
Weight uses about 1.15 tons per cubic yard; wet soil weighs more.
Your results
Topsoil needed6.17 cu yd
Approx. weight7.1 tons
0.75 cu ft bags223
1 cu ft bags167

Topsoil for 500 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Approx. tons | 0.75 cu ft bags |
|---|
| 1 in | 1.54 | 1.77 | 56 |
| 2 in | 3.09 | 3.55 | 112 |
| 4 in | 6.17 | 7.1 | 223 |
| 6 in | 9.26 | 10.65 | 334 |
At this volume, bulk delivery is the way to go — most suppliers deliver by the yard with a minimum order.
The math
500 × 4 in ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 6.17 cu yd
Common questions
How many yards of topsoil for 500 sq ft?
6.17 cubic yards at 4 inches deep; 3.09 at 2 inches.
Want the full method, tips and other sizes? See the topsoil calculator guide.
Last reviewed November 1, 2026. Results are estimates — confirm with your supplier.
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