Topsoil calculator
Topsoil calculator: turn area and depth into tonnes
Choose the grade, measure each area and pick a depth. We convert the volume to tonnes with a typical density, round up to whole tonnes and carry the figure into your quote request.
Densities are typical figures for each grade. Soil is heavier when wet and settles once spread and firmed, which is why the 10% allowance is ticked to start with.
Rough guide
What five and ten tonnes of screened topsoil cover
| Depth | Five tonnes covers | Ten tonnes covers |
|---|---|---|
| 50mm | About 70m² | About 140m² |
| 100mm | About 35m² | About 70m² |
| 150mm | About 24m² | About 48m² |
| 300mm | About 12m² | About 24m² |
Based on about 1.4 tonnes per m³, before any allowance for settling.
Measuring an awkward site
Break the site into rectangles, measure them one by one and enter each as a separate area. For a circle, multiply the radius by itself and then by 3.14, and enter the result as total m². Where levels vary, take the depth at a few spots and use the average.
Working from drawings? Use the areas and depths from your plans, or send the tonnage from your bill of quantities with your request.