Calculator
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Client‑side compute
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Typical: 0.75 ft³ or 40 L per bag.
Presets: loose≈1100, screened≈1200, wet≈1400 kg/m³.
Covers waste, settling, low spots. Set 0–25% typically.
Areas
| Name | Shape | Length (L) |
Width (W) |
Diameter (D) |
Depth | Area | Volume |
|---|
Length in ft, depth in in. Area auto‑calculated in ft²/m². Volume auto‑calculated in ft³/m³.
Example data table
These sample areas illustrate common leveling scenarios. Click “Load example” above to populate the calculator.
| Name | Shape | Length | Width | Diameter | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main rectangle | Rectangle | 30 ft | 20 ft | — | 0.5 in | Light topdress, smoothing bumps |
| Low patch | Rectangle | 10 ft | 8 ft | — | 1.5 in | Localized leveling of depression |
| Round corner | Circle | — | — | 12 ft | 1.0 in | Curved garden edge by patio |
Lawn leveling topsoil reference data
Recommended topdressing depths by objective
| Objective | Typical depth (in) | Typical depth (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoothing minor bumps | 0.25 – 0.50 | 0.6 – 1.3 | Thin pass lets grass grow through quickly |
| Moderate leveling | 0.75 – 1.50 | 1.9 – 3.8 | Level in stages to protect existing turf |
| Filling shallow depressions | 1.50 – 2.50 | 3.8 – 6.4 | Overseed and water for best recovery |
Coverage per common bag size (approximate)
Coverage at uniform depth; area ≈ bag volume / depth. Depths assume loose placement before settling.
| Bag size (volume) | 0.25 in depth | 0.50 in depth | 1.00 in depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.50 ft³ | 24 ft² | 12 ft² | 6 ft² |
| 0.75 ft³ | 36 ft² | 18 ft² | 9 ft² |
| 1.00 ft³ | 48 ft² | 24 ft² | 12 ft² |
| 25 L (≈0.88 ft³) | 42 ft² | 21 ft² | 10.5 ft² |
| 40 L (≈1.41 ft³) | 68 ft² | 34 ft² | 17 ft² |
Density and weight guide
| Material state | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lb/ft³) | Weight per yd³ (kg) | Weight per yd³ (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loose/sandy blend | 1100 | 68.7 | 841 | 1,855 |
| Screened topsoil | 1200 | 74.8 | 917 | 2,024 |
| Wet/heavy material | 1400 | 87.1 | 1,070 | 2,360 |
Formula used
- Rectangle area: A = L × W
- Circle area: A = π × (D/2)²
- Depth conversion: inches → meters: d[m] = d[in] × 0.0254; centimeters → meters: d[m] = d[cm] / 100
- Volume: V = A × d
- Allowance: Vadj = V × (1 + allowance%)
- Weight: W = Vadj × ρ (ρ = density)
- Bag count: bags = ceil( Vadj / Vbag )
- Conversions: 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³; 1 yd³ = 27 ft³; 1 L = 0.001 m³
- Mix mode: For ratio S:T, volumes split proportional to parts.
How to use this calculator
- Choose your preferred length and depth units.
- Add each lawn area. Pick shape and enter dimensions.
- Enter a representative topdressing depth for each area.
- Set extra allowance for waste and settling, if needed.
- Enter material density or pick a preset. Set bag size.
- Use mix mode for topsoil:sand blends and review breakdown.
- Read totals for volume, weight, and bag counts.
- Export CSV/PDF for purchasing and on‑site guidance.
FAQs
For light topdressing to smooth bumps, 0.25–0.5 inches (6–13 mm) is typical. For depressions, 1–2 inches may be required in localized spots.
Screened topsoil often averages 1100–1300 kg/m³ depending on moisture and composition. Wet material weighs more; dry, sandy blends weigh less.
Many use 2:1 topsoil:sand for better leveling and drainage. Avoid high clay sands; use washed sharp sand to maintain structure.
Allow 5–15% for waste and settling on most jobs. Increase for very uneven lawns or if compacting aggressively during leveling.
Thin layers let grass grow through. For thicker fills, level gradually in passes, overseed, and water to support recovery.