Top Dressing Calculator
The depth field starts at 1/4 inch because that is the cited compost depth. Change it if your project is different. The area starts at 1,000 square feet as an example.
Result: topdressing
1,000 square feet × 0.3 inches ÷ 324.
1/4 inch is the compost depth listed by NC State Extension. You can enter a different depth.
How Much Topdressing Do You Need?
Cubic yards = square feet × depth in inches ÷ 324
NC State Extension's organic lawn notes list a compost topdressing of 1/4 inch. Over 1,000 square feet that is 0.77 cu yd. NC State Extension (organic lawn care).
You can type a different depth. The result then describes your entry, and it still names 1/4 inch as the cited compost depth.
Topdressing Volumes at 1/4 Inch
| Area | Cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 0.77 cu yd |
| 5,000 sq ft | 3.86 cu yd |
| 10,000 sq ft | 7.72 cu yd |
Common Mistakes With the Top Dressing Calculator
- Reading 1/4 inch as a depth for new topsoil under sod. That job is the topsoil page, and its depth is not preset.
- Entering 0.25 as feet. The field is inches, and 0.25 inches is the cited quarter inch.
- Expecting a bag count. This page stops at cubic yards.
Top Dressing Calculator FAQ
How deep is the compost topdressing NC State lists?
1/4 inch.
How many cubic yards is 1/4 inch over 1,000 square feet?
0.77 cubic yards.
Can you enter a different depth?
Yes. 1/4 inch is the cited compost depth, not a lock.