How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?

Dry topsoil weighs about 2,000 lbs per cubic yard (1 ton). Wet or compacted topsoil can hit 3,000 lbs (1.5 tons). Topsoil weight changes with moisture and organic content. A "screened" yard delivered after a dry week weighs about a ton; the same yard after a heavy rain can weigh half-again as much. Compost-heavy mixes weigh less than mineral-rich loam. Most suppliers price by the cubic yard, but trucks weigh themselves on the way out, so heavy deliveries cost a little more if billed by the ton.

How many pounds is a yard of topsoil?

About 2,000 lbs dry, up to 3,000 lbs after a heavy rain. The number on the delivery ticket is usually the dry/screened weight.

How many bags of topsoil in a cubic yard?

36 standard 0.75 cu ft bags, or 27 of the 1 cu ft bags. Bagged topsoil costs 3–5× more than bulk per cubic yard.

How many cubic yards of topsoil for a lawn?

For a 4-inch top layer over 1,000 ft²: 12 yd³. For ½ inch top-dressing: 1.5 yd³.

Can a half-ton truck haul a yard of topsoil?

Marginally — 2,000 lbs is at or above many half-ton GVWR limits once you add passengers. A full-ton or rented dump trailer is safer.

How much area does a yard of topsoil cover?

324 ft² at 1 in deep, 162 ft² at 2 in, 108 ft² at 3 in, 81 ft² at 4 in.

How much does a 40 lb bag of topsoil cover?

About 3 ft² at 2 inches deep. A 40 lb bag is roughly 0.5–0.75 cu ft depending on moisture.

Yard of Topsoil Weight (Dry vs Wet)

Topsoil weight by condition — per cubic yard
Condition	Weight	Tons
Dry, screened topsoil	2,000 lbs	1.0 ton
Standard moisture topsoil	2,200–2,400 lbs	1.1–1.2 tons
Wet topsoil after rain	2,800–3,000 lbs	1.4–1.5 tons
Compost-heavy garden mix	1,400–1,800 lbs	0.7–0.9 tons
Sandy loam	2,400 lbs	1.2 tons
Clay-heavy fill dirt	2,800 lbs	1.4 tons

Topsoil weight by condition — per cubic yard

Condition

Weight

Tons

Dry, screened topsoil

2,000 lbs

1.0 ton

Standard moisture topsoil

2,200–2,400 lbs

1.1–1.2 tons

Wet topsoil after rain

2,800–3,000 lbs

1.4–1.5 tons

Compost-heavy garden mix

1,400–1,800 lbs

0.7–0.9 tons

Sandy loam

2,400 lbs

1.2 tons

Clay-heavy fill dirt

2,800 lbs

1.4 tons

How to calculate it yourself

Truck capacity in tons ÷ ~1 ton per yard = cubic yards delivered. A standard 5-yard dump truck holds 5–7 tons of topsoil depending on moisture.

Common scenarios

Lawn topdress, 1,000 ft² at ½ in deep

42 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.5 yd³ of topsoil ≈ 1.5 tons (3,000 lbs). One small delivery covers it.

4×8 raised garden bed, 12 in deep

32 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.2 yd³ ≈ 1.2 tons (2,400 lbs). Buy 2 yd³ to top it off after settling.

New lawn over 5,000 ft² at 4 in deep

61.7 yd³ × 1.1 = ~68 tons. That is 4–5 dump truck loads. Spread and grade in stages so you do not get rained out.

About this calculation

Written and maintained by the BuildMaterialCalc editorial team. The math is derived from published codes and manufacturer specs — see our methodology page for the full source list and review process.

Last reviewed: 9 May 2026. We update cost references quarterly using the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index plus regional supplier spot-checks.

References used on this page:

Every result is an estimate. Real-world projects vary with sub-grade conditions, ambient humidity, supplier spec sheets, and local code amendments. For structural, code, or safety-critical applications, confirm with a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer for details.

How Much Does a Yard of Topsoil Weigh?

At a glance

How to calculate it yourself

Common scenarios

Lawn topdress, 1,000 ft² at ½ in deep

4×8 raised garden bed, 12 in deep

New lawn over 5,000 ft² at 4 in deep

Frequently asked

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