What does the Topsoil Calculator — Tonnes & Cost do?

Calculate topsoil needed in cubic metres, tonnes or bags for garden beds and landscaping. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.

Does this include delivery costs?

This calculator estimates material quantities and approximate costs. Delivery charges vary by supplier, quantity and location. Bulk orders often qualify for free or reduced delivery.

When is the best time for this project?

Timing depends on the specific project. Generally, spring and autumn are ideal for lawn and planting work, while hard landscaping can be done year-round in dry conditions.

Topsoil Calculator — Tonnes & Cost

Calculate topsoil needed in cubic metres, tonnes or bags for garden beds and landscaping.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: RHS — Soil types

Length (m)

Width (m)

Depth (mm)

Price (£/tonne)

Volume

2.25 m³

Weight

2.93 tonnes

25kg Bags

118

Est. Cost

£102.38

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Topsoil quantity is calculated as area × depth, converted to tonnes. Loose topsoil has a bulk density of approximately 1.3–1.5 t/m³. For new lawns, a minimum depth of 100–150 mm of topsoil is recommended. Raised beds typically need 200–300 mm depth, and border improvement needs 50–100 mm mixed into existing soil.

Topsoil quality in the UK is graded to BS 3882. General-purpose topsoil suits most garden uses; premium topsoil is screened to a finer grade for lawns and turf laying. The calculator shows volume in cubic metres, weight in tonnes and number of bulk bags (a standard bulk bag of topsoil is approximately 0.6 m³ or 0.8–1.0 tonnes).

Enter the area and desired depth. The calculator shows quantity, estimated delivery cost (£30–£55 per tonne for general purpose, £45–£70 per tonne for premium screened) and the number of bulk bags. For large areas, loose-load delivery by tipper truck is more economical than bulk bags.

Example: New lawn area 6 m × 4 m, 150 mm deep

Area: 24 m²
Volume: 24 × 0.15 = 3.6 m³
Weight: 3.6 × 1.4 = 5.04 tonnes
Bulk bags: 5.04 ÷ 0.9 ≈ 5.6, order 6 bags
Estimated cost: £200–£340 delivered

Source: RHS — Soil types

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Topsoil Calculator — Tonnes & Cost do?: Calculate topsoil needed in cubic metres, tonnes or bags for garden beds and landscaping. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Does this include delivery costs?: This calculator estimates material quantities and approximate costs. Delivery charges vary by supplier, quantity and location. Bulk orders often qualify for free or reduced delivery.
When is the best time for this project?: Timing depends on the specific project. Generally, spring and autumn are ideal for lawn and planting work, while hard landscaping can be done year-round in dry conditions.