How Much Topsoil Do You Actually Need? A Simple Guide 

Starting a gardening project is always fun, but figuring out how much topsoil to order. That part can feel like a guessing game. Order too little and you’ll be stuck waiting for more to arrive. Order too much, and you might end up with bags of soil you don’t know what to do with. 

Don’t worry, though. This quick guide will help you work out just how much topsoil you’ll need for your project in Essex or Suffolk, no tricky math required. 

Why Getting Your Measurements Right Matters 

It might sound obvious, but measuring properly from the start saves a lot of hassle later on. Here’s why planning around how much you need is worth it in the long run: 

• Avoid running out or overspending. You don’t want your project stalled because you’re short on soil, and you also don’t want to waste money on extras you don’t need. 

• Even coverage means healthier plants. Whether you’re laying turf or filling flowerbeds, having the right amount of soil means a consistent layer, which plants love. 

• Makes pricing easier. Knowing the exact amount you need helps you get clear quotes, with no surprises on delivery day. 

Quick tip: Topsoil is usually sold by cubic metres (m³). Bulk bags often hold around 0.7 to 1 m³ each. 

How to Work Out Your Topsoil Needs 

The easiest way is to calculate the volume of the area you want to fill. Just multiply length by width by depth, all in metres. 

For example, if your garden bed is 5 metres long, 4 metres wide, and you want to fill it to 10 centimetres deep (which is 0.1 metres): 

5 × 4 × 0.1 = 2 cubic metres of topsoil 

So, you’d need about 2 cubic metres of soil to fill that space properly. So in terms of bulk bags 2 bulk bags. 

Quick Table for Common Sizes 

Here’s a rough guide for some typical garden areas: 

Still have some questions? We’re happy to help figure it out with you. Get in contact with our team today. 

How Topsoil Gets Delivered 

Understanding what delivery options are available also helps you plan better, with KWD offering delivery for: 

• Loose soil: Usually delivered by tipper truck, dumped in a pile at your property. Great for bigger jobs and often cheaper. 

• Bulk bags: Large, sturdy bags holding roughly 0.7 to 1 cubic metre. Perfect if you want something tidy and easier to handle. 

We offer dependable delivery across Essex and Suffolk, so your soil arrives right when you need it. 

How Deep Should Your Topsoil Be? 

The depth depends on what you’re planting or doing, so here is a quick guide to some of the most common ones: 

• New lawns: Around 10cm is usually enough for roots to settle in. 

• Flower beds & veggies: About 15-20cm gives plants plenty of space to grow. 

• Raised beds: These can be deeper, depending on your plants. 

There are just a few of the depths, and if you are looking for the depths of a larger-scale project, we can easily help with the estimation, and you can get in touch with our team of experts to find out.  

Let’s Get Your Project the Right Amount of Topsoil 

Getting the right amount of topsoil is a simple but important step in making your garden look great and thrive. Good soil is vital for many projects, no matter how small or large. 

If you’re in Essex or Suffolk and need topsoil delivered, check out our service. We can give you a quick quote or answer any questions you have. 

Enquire Today