Calculate how much topsoil you need for site reclamation, lawn establishment, or landscaping projects.
Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to calculate topsoil requirements.
Topsoil swells 10–20% when stripped and stockpiled. Order loose volume. Bags are only practical under ~5 cy — use bulk delivery for larger jobs.
Topsoil is the upper layer of native soil (typically 4"–12") that contains organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms needed to support plant growth. On construction sites, topsoil is stripped and stockpiled before grading, then replaced ("replaced") after earthwork is complete — this is a legal requirement on most regulated projects in Canada.
Topsoil is not structural fill. Never use topsoil under foundations, pavements, or engineered fills — it will compress and cause settlement.
Under the BC Environmental Management Act and Land Act, disturbed Crown land must be reclaimed to equivalent land capability. The standard minimum is 150mm of LFH material (organic layer) or topsoil over subsoil. The Mines Act requires approved reclamation plans with specific topsoil replacement depths — always check your permit conditions.
Topsoil expands approximately 15% when it's stripped and stockpiled. If you need 100 cy of placed topsoil, you need to stockpile (or purchase) approximately 115 cy. When ordering bulk, always add this buffer.
Studying for the IUOE, Red Seal, or NCCER exam?
Complete study guides at dirtschool.ca →