Calculator
Topsoil Calculator
Calculate exactly how much topsoil you need for your Tacoma lawn, garden, or landscaping project. Our free topsoil calculator gives instant results in cubic yards. Simply enter your measurements below we'll handle the math. Fast delivery across Tacoma and Pierce County in 24-48 hours.
Which Topsoil Product Do You Actually Need?
Not all topsoil is created equal, and matching the right product to your project makes a real difference in results. We offer three main blends, each designed for specific situations.
How Deep Should Your Topsoil Be?
The right depth depends entirely on what you're growing or fixing. Different projects need different amounts, and using the correct depth saves money while giving plants what they actually need to thrive.
Why We Divide by 324: The Math Behind Cubic Yards
The formula is based on simple geometry. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Spread one inch deep, it covers 324 square feet (27 ÷ 1/12 = 324). Real calculation: A 15×20 ft garden bed at 4 inches. Multiply 15 × 20 × 4 = 1,200. Divide by 324 = 3.7 yards. Order 4. We use 324 instead of rough estimates like 300 because precision matters. Ordering too little means second delivery charges. Too much means wasted material sitting in your driveway. For irregular shapes, measure longest length and widest width, calculate as rectangle, then reduce by 20%. For complex areas, break into rectangles and add results together.
Real-World Coverage Examples for Tacoma Projects
Sometimes seeing actual examples helps more than formulas. Here are common Tacoma landscaping projects with their cubic yard requirements:
| Project | Dimensions | Depth | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Front Yard | 15 × 20 ft | 4 inches deep | This typical Tacoma bungalow front yard needs 3.7 cubic yards. Order 4 yards. You'll have a bit left over for filling in around edges or topdressing the lawn next spring. |
| Standard Backyard Lawn | 30 × 40 ft | 5 inches deep | A good-sized backyard for a family lawn requires 18.5 cubic yards. Order 19 yards. This assumes you're starting fresh or adding significant depth to improve an existing lawn struggling on clay soil. |
| Raised Bed Garden | 4 × 8 ft | 8 inches deep | A single raised bed built to standard height needs 0.79 cubic yards less than one yard. Build four of these beds and you need 3.2 yards, so order 4 yards total. The extra material fills in gaps and settles the soil properly. |
| Vegetable Garden Plot | 20 × 30 ft | 6 inches deep | A serious vegetable garden for a family needs 11.1 cubic yards. Order 12 yards. That 6-inch depth gives vegetables the root zone they need to produce heavily throughout the growing season. |
| Side Yard Leveling | 8 × 30 ft | 3 inches deep | Fixing that narrow side yard that pools water requires 2.2 cubic yards. Order our 2-yard minimum, which actually gives you exactly what you need with a small buffer. |
| Around Trees | 3-inch layer | 10 ft diameter circle | Feeding an established tree with a topdressing ring needs about 2.3 cubic yards for a 10-foot diameter circle at 3 inches deep. Our 2-yard minimum just barely covers this, so consider going to 3 yards if you have multiple trees or want extra for other plantings. |
Topsoil Calculator FAQs
Getting Your Topsoil Delivered in Tacoma
We deliver across Tacoma and Pierce County with 2-yard minimum. Delivery included, typically arrives 24-48 hours. Call 253.222.9633 to order. Our trucks navigate tight neighborhoods narrow North End alleys, steep Hilltop driveways, challenging University Place access. You don't need to be home. Mark your spot with tarp, cone, or chalk. Driver calls en route. We deliver to hard surfaces only to protect lawns. Driver won't cross property lines without waiver. Mark on your side of the line. We serve Central Tacoma, North End, South Tacoma, Hilltop, Lincoln District, Fircrest, University Place, Parkland, Midland, South Hill, Puyallup, Federal Way, East Side, and Clover Creek. Call 253.222.9633 to confirm your address.