How many 40-lb bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
Standard 40-lb bags of topsoil hold 0.75 cubic feet. Dividing 27 cubic feet per yard by 0.75 means it takes exactly 36 bags of 40-lb topsoil to equal 1 cubic yard.
Topsoil, Raised Bed Soil & Sod Calculator (Yards, Tons & Bags)
Calculate screened topsoil and garden compost in cubic yards, US tons, and 40-lb (.75 cu ft) bags for lawn leveling, new turf seeding, and raised beds — plus sod rolls and pallets.
1. Material Grade & Project Dimensions
Area: 1,350.0 sq ft (125.42 m²)
Net Vol: 8.33 cu yd (6.37 m³)
Area: 64.0 sq ft (5.95 m²)
Net Vol: 2.37 cu yd (1.81 m³)
2. Material Takeoff, Blueprint & Cost
Total Volume & Tonnage (incl. waste)
11.77 cu yd · 12.40 tons
9.00 m³ · 11.25 metric tonnes (24,796 lbs)
Total Material Weight
12.40 US tons
24,796 lbs (78 lb/ft³)
Store Bags (40-lb bags)
620 bags
317.9 cu ft (9,002 L)
Total Project Area (Net)
1,414.0 sq ft
131.4 m² (+10% waste)
Sod Rolls & Pallets (for area)
156 rolls
3.5 pallets (@ 450 sq ft/pallet)
Cost Break-Even: Bulk Dump Truck vs. Store Bags
Bulk Truck saves $1,502
Bulk Dump Truck (12.40 tons + $85 delivery)
$531
620 × 40-lb Hardware Store Bags
$2,034
Show Step-by-Step Formula & Takeoff Math
Net Area = 1,414.00 sq ft (131.36 m²)
Net Volume = 289.00 cu ft ÷ 27 = 10.70 cu yd
With +10% Allowance = 11.77 cu yd (9.00 m³)
Weight = 317.90 cu ft × 78 lb/ft³ = 24,796 lbs = 12.40 US tons (11.25 t)
Recommended Topsoil Depth & Sod Pallet Coverage
| Material / Application | Standard Spec / Depth | Coverage / Weight | Field Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Topdressing & Overseeding | 0.25 – 0.5 inches (0,6 – 1,5 cm) | 1.5 – 3.0 cu yd per 2,000 sq ft | Evens minor dips without smothering existing grass |
| New Sod Installation Base | 2 – 4 inches (5 – 10 cm) | 1 pallet of sod = 450 sq ft (45 rolls @ 10 sq ft) | Till native soil + 3" screened loam before laying sod |
| New Seeded Lawn Establishment | 4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm) | 12.3 – 18.5 cu yd per 1,000 sq ft | Supports deep turf root development |
| Raised Vegetable & Flower Beds | 10 – 18 inches (25 – 45 cm) | 4×8 ft bed @ 12" deep = 1.19 cu yd (32 cu ft) | Use 50/50 screened topsoil + organic compost |
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Frequently Asked Questions & Field Guide
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
A standard US sod pallet covers 450 to 500 square feet (typically 45 rolls of 2 ft × 5 ft = 10 sq ft per roll) and weighs 1,500 to 2,500 lbs depending on moisture.