How much does a cubic yard of soil weigh?

Standard topsoil: 2,000-2,200 lbs per cubic yard (dry to moderately moist). Variations: Fill dirt (heavy/wet): 2,200-2,800 lbs. Sandy soil: 2,200-2,400. Clay (dry): 1,800-2,000. Garden soil (with compost): 1,800-2,000. Compost: 1,000-1,500. Potting mix: 700-900. Wet soil (rain-soaked): +20-40% from dry weight. For transport planning: a typical pickup truck holds 1-2 cubic yards safely; full-size dump truck 10-15 yards. NEVER overload truck — heavy soil can damage suspension and tires. Most yards deliver in dump trucks; some offer "tip and run" with $40-$80 delivery fee.

What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?

TOPSOIL: natural top layer of earth (typically top 6-12 inches from cleared land). Used for: lawn establishment, filling, surface grading, general gardening base. Cheaper ($20-$60/yard). Quality varies; may contain weeds, varies in organic content. Screened topsoil better (removes rocks, sticks). GARDEN SOIL: topsoil enriched with compost, peat moss, sometimes fertilizer. Used for: raised beds, planting areas, vegetables, flowers. More expensive ($40-$120/yard) but provides better growing medium. Premium garden soils ("planting mix" or "garden mix") have specific blends for vegetables, herbs, etc. For raised vegetable beds: invest in garden soil. For lawn or general filling: topsoil sufficient.

How deep should garden bed soil be?

Depends on plants: VEGETABLES — 12+ inches for most; 18+ for root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, beets). FLOWERS — 8-12 inches for most annuals/perennials; 12+ for shrub roots. LAWN ESTABLISHMENT — 4-6 inches of topsoil over native soil. CONTAINER GARDENING — depth = container depth (less than ground depth). For mixed gardens with various plants: aim for 10-12 inches minimum. Deeper better — roots have room, drainage improves, plants more drought-tolerant. Raised beds especially benefit from deep soil (allows full root development without compaction from foot traffic). For mature trees: 18-24 inches of quality soil ideal but requires major excavation.

How do I calculate soil for an irregular-shaped area?

Strategy: break irregular area into multiple regular shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles), calculate each separately, sum totals. Examples: SLOPED BED — calculate average depth (typically not constant depth across slope). CURVED BORDER — break into 5-10 sections, treat each as rectangle. CIRCLE — π × radius² × depth. TRIANGLE — 0.5 × base × height × depth. TRAPEZOID — 0.5 × (top width + bottom width) × height × depth. For very irregular areas: draw graph paper plan, count squares, multiply by depth. For 3D objects (mounds): use volume formulas (cone, pyramid). For accurate large project: hire landscape designer to calculate precisely. Most homeowners can estimate within 10% with care.

Is it worth buying bulk vs. bagged soil?

For 1-2 cubic yards or more: ALMOST ALWAYS yes. Bag costs (per cubic yard equivalent): $90-$200+ depending on type. Bulk costs (delivered): $30-$120 depending on type. Savings: 50-75%. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: Bulk delivery $40-$150; subtract from savings. Self-pickup (rent truck $30-$50): more savings, more labor. Bags easier for small projects (under 0.5 cubic yards). Bags easier for storage and gradual use over time. Bag transport limited (40 lb bags only). For SIGNIFICANT projects (1+ yards): bulk dramatically cheaper. For VERY SMALL fixes (less than 0.5 yards): bags often more convenient. For most home garden projects: bulk delivery saves $50-$200+ compared to equivalent bags.

Soil Calculator

Estimate how much soil you need for garden beds, lawns, or fill projects. Enter dimensions to calculate volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus estimated weight and cost.

Last updated: May 28, 2026

About this calculator

Soil quantity calculations are essential for garden projects of any scale. Whether filling raised beds, top-dressing a lawn, building landscape features, or grading a yard, knowing the right amount prevents costly over-ordering and wasted material. Soil sold by the cubic yard (1 yard × 1 yard × 1 yard = 27 cubic feet) at landscape supply yards and nurseries. Bagged soil at retail (40 lb bags typically) costs 3-5x more per cubic yard than bulk delivery; for any significant project, bulk delivery is dramatically more economical.

The calculation itself is straightforward: length × width × depth = volume. The complications come from: unit conversions (inches to feet; cubic feet to cubic yards), shape variations (rectangular vs. triangular vs. round beds), settling factor (soil compresses 10-20% after installation), accounting for existing soil quality, and matching soil type to use case (topsoil vs. garden soil vs. potting mix vs. fill dirt). Different soil types serve different purposes: fill dirt for grading and filling holes; topsoil for general gardening; garden soil (topsoil + compost + amendments) for planting; potting mix for containers.

This calculator computes soil volume needed in cubic feet and cubic yards from dimensions, plus weight and cost estimates. Use it for: garden bed planning, landscaping projects, lawn renovation, container gardening, or any project requiring soil quantity estimation. Important context: order 10-15% extra for settling, irregular shapes, and minor errors. Cubic yard weighs ~2,000 lbs dry; wet soil heavier. Delivery options vary by region; some yards have minimum orders (1 cubic yard); larger trucks deliver up to 10-20 cubic yards efficiently. Match soil type to your specific use — garden soil for raised vegetable beds; topsoil for lawn establishment; potting mix for containers. Most landscape supply yards happy to advise on soil selection.

Formula

Soil volume calculation: Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × (Depth / 12) Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27 Example: 10 ft × 10 ft bed × 6 inches deep. Volume (cubic feet): 10 × 10 × (6/12) = 50 cubic feet Volume (cubic yards): 50 / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards Approximate weight at typical 2,000 lbs per cubic yard: 1.85 × 2,000 = 3,700 lbs Cost at $40/yard: 1.85 × $40 = $74 For ordering: add 10-15% for settling: 1.85 × 1.10 = 2.04 cubic yards (round up to 2) Soil density and weight: Different soil types have different densities: Fill dirt: 2,200-2,800 lbs/cubic yard (heavy, often wet) Sandy soil: 2,200-2,400 lbs/yard Loam: 2,000-2,200 lbs/yard Clay (dry): 1,800-2,000 lbs/yard Topsoil (standard): 2,000-2,200 lbs/yard Garden soil (topsoil + compost): 1,800-2,000 lbs/yard Compost: 1,000-1,500 lbs/yard (lighter, more organic matter) Potting mix: 700-900 lbs/yard Mulch: 400-800 lbs/yard Wet soil/compost: add 20-40% weight Volume conversions: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet 1 cubic yard = 765 quarts 1 cubic yard = 174 dry gallons 1 cubic yard = 202 liquid gallons 1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons 1 cubic foot = 28.3 liters Bagged vs. bulk: Common bag sizes: - 1 cubic foot bag: covers ~12 sq ft at 1" depth - 1.5 cubic foot bag: covers ~18 sq ft at 1" depth - 2 cubic foot bag: covers ~24 sq ft at 1" depth - 40 lb bag (varies): typically ~0.75 cubic feet To convert bag count to cubic yards: - 27 (cubic feet per yard) / bag size = bags per yard - 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft = 1 cubic yard - 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft = 1 cubic yard Pricing comparison: Bulk (delivered): - Topsoil: $25-$60/yard - Garden soil: $40-$80/yard - Premium garden soil: $80-$120/yard - Mulch: $30-$80/yard Bagged (retail): - Topsoil: ~$3-5 per 1-cu-ft bag = $90-$135/yard equivalent - Garden soil: ~$5-8 per bag = $135-$200/yard - Premium soil: $8-$15 per bag = $200-$400/yard Bulk savings: 50-75% for significant projects. Bag count for common projects: Large raised bed (4 × 8 × 1 ft): 32 cubic feet - Bulk: ~1.2 yards = ~$50-$100 - Bagged (1 cu ft): 32 bags = ~$100-$200 Small backyard fill (10 × 10 × 6 in): 1.85 cubic yards - Bulk: ~$75-$150 - Bagged: 50 bags = ~$150-$300 Settling factor: Fresh soil/compost: 10-20% settles in first season Plan for 15% extra: order = needed × 1.15 Compacted fill: less settling For accurate gardening: top up beds after first growing season. Soil types for specific uses: FILL DIRT: - Use: grading, filling holes, building up low spots - Typically cheaper, no growing medium quality - Often subsoil or recycled materials - Don't plant in fill dirt alone TOPSOIL: - Use: lawn establishment, general gardening base, surface fixes - Natural topsoil from cleared land - Quality varies (screened best) - May contain weeds, varies in organic content - Cheaper than premium options GARDEN SOIL: - Use: raised beds, planting areas, flower beds - Topsoil enriched with compost, peat, fertilizer - Higher cost but better growing medium - Use for vegetables, flowers, intensive gardening POTTING MIX: - Use: containers, hanging baskets, indoor plants - Soilless or low-soil mixes - Light, drains well - Most expensive but essential for containers - Don't use in ground beds (compacts too much) PREMIUM GARDEN SOIL: - Use: high-end raised beds, herb gardens - Premium organic matter, ideal pH, nutrients - $80-$120/yard typically - Worth investment for serious gardening COMPOST: - Use: amendment for existing soil, top-dressing - Improves any soil - Mix with existing soil 1:1 to 1:3 ratio - High organic matter, slow-release nutrients Common project soil needs: Vegetable raised bed (4 × 8 × 1 ft, 32 cu ft): garden soil Flower border (3 × 20 × 0.5 ft, 30 cu ft): garden soil Lawn top-dress (1000 sq ft × 0.25 in, 21 cu ft): topsoil New lawn establishment (1000 sq ft × 3 in, 250 cu ft / 9.3 cu yds): topsoil Tree planting hole (3 × 3 × 3 ft, 27 cu ft): garden soil + native soil Container gardens (50-gallon planter, ~6.7 cu ft): potting mix only Calculating for irregular shapes: Rectangular: L × W × D Square: same as rectangular Triangular: 0.5 × Base × Height × Depth Circular: π × radius² × Depth Trapezoidal: 0.5 × (top width + bottom width) × Height × Depth For irregular areas: - Break into multiple regular shapes - Calculate each separately - Sum totals For sloped beds: - Calculate average depth - Use average for volume calculation Soil delivery: Most landscape yards: - Minimum order: 1 cubic yard - Maximum truck: 10-20 cubic yards - Delivery fee: $40-$150 (varies by distance) - Tip charges: extra for tip away from driveway - Self-pickup option (with truck or trailer) For large projects: - Compare bulk vs. multiple deliveries - Stockpile location considerations (dry, accessible) - Spreading labor (manual or mechanical) Many homeowners rent a trailer for $30-$50 to save delivery fees on 1-2 yard orders.

How to use this calculator

Enter length and width of area in feet.
Enter depth in inches (typical 4-12 inches for various uses).
Enter price per cubic yard (research local pricing).
Review volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, and total cost.
For ordering: add 10-15% for settling and irregular shapes.
For bag count: divide cubic feet by bag size (1 or 1.5 cu ft typical).
For weight estimation: ~2,000 lbs per cubic yard (standard soil).
For raised beds: account for any existing soil to be removed or amended.
For irregular shapes: break into smaller regular sections, calculate separately, sum.
For specific soil types: factor in actual density vs. standard 2,000 lbs/yard.
For delivery: most yards minimum 1 cubic yard; ask about delivery fees.
For multiple projects: consolidate orders to save delivery costs.

Worked examples

Raised vegetable garden bed

Building a 4 × 8 ft raised bed, 12 inches deep. Volume: 4 × 8 × 1 = 32 cubic feet = 1.19 cubic yards Adding 15% for settling: 1.37 yards (order 1.5) Garden soil (with compost): $80/yard Cost: 1.5 × $80 = $120 Plus delivery: $50 (varies) Total: $170 Comparison with bagged soil: 32 cu ft requires 21-32 bags (depending on bag size) $5-$8 per bag: $105-$256 for bags Plus transport effort (own truck or multiple trips) Bulk delivery: same cost or less, dramatically easier handling. For multiple beds: consolidate into one delivery. 4-bed project (1.5 yards each) = 6 yards = $480 delivered vs. ~$800 in bags.

Lawn top-dressing

Top-dressing 2,000 sq ft lawn with 0.25" topsoil for seeding. Volume: 2,000 × (0.25/12) = 41.7 cubic feet = 1.54 cubic yards Topsoil at $40/yard: $62 Delivery: $40 Total: $102 Application: spread evenly with garden rake. Time: 2-4 hours for typical homeowner. Adding overseed cost: grass seed $20-$50 + fertilizer $20-$30 = $40-$80 additional. Total lawn revival project: $140-$180 for 2,000 sq ft. Compare to professional service ($400-$800) or sod replacement ($1,500+). DIY lawn renovation often dramatic improvement for modest investment. Top-dressing + overseeding + fertilization handles most "tired" lawns.

Backyard grade leveling

Leveling backyard 30 × 20 ft area with 4-inch depth fill. Volume: 30 × 20 × (4/12) = 200 cubic feet = 7.4 cubic yards Adding 15% for settling: 8.5 cubic yards (order 9) Fill dirt at $25/yard: 9 × $25 = $225 Topsoil topping (1 inch on top, 1.8 yards): $72 Subtotal: $297 Delivery (truck holds 10 yards): $100 Total: $400 DIY labor: substantial (8-10 hours of spreading and grading). Alternative options: - Hire landscaper: $1,500-$3,000 for similar project - Rent skid steer: $200/day + fuel + DIY (faster than hand) For DIY: rental + delivery + materials = ~$600 total. Compare to $2,000+ for professional. Significant savings, modest skill required. Many homeowners successfully complete grading projects with rental equipment and proper planning.

When to use this calculator

Use this calculator for garden bed planning, landscaping projects, lawn renovation, container gardening, fill dirt projects, or any task requiring soil quantity estimation.

Pair with mulch-calculator, raised-bed-soil, and gravel-calculator for comprehensive landscape planning.

Important soil calculation considerations:

1. **Bulk delivery far cheaper than bagged.** 50-75% savings for significant projects.

2. **Add 10-15% for settling.** Soil compresses after installation; order extra.

3. **Match soil type to use.** Fill dirt for grading; topsoil for lawn; garden soil for planting; potting mix for containers.

4. **Calculate weight for transport.** Soil is HEAVY — 2,000 lbs per cubic yard standard.

5. **Yard minimum delivery typical.** Most landscape yards 1 cubic yard minimum.

6. **Self-pickup possible.** Rent truck for $30-$50 to save delivery fees.

7. **Larger projects benefit from contractors.** Substantial labor for spreading 10+ yards.

8. **Quality varies enormously.** Screened topsoil $40-$60; unscreened $20-$30; quality matters for gardening success.

9. **Garden soil includes compost.** Premium for planting; not necessary for filling/grading.

10. **Consider soil testing.** Existing soil quality affects whether you need garden soil or just amendment.

11. **Local availability varies.** Soil costs vary 2-3x across US regions; shop around.

12. **For containers: only potting mix.** In-ground soil compacts too much in containers.

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying bagged soil for large projects. 3-5x more expensive than bulk delivery.
Underestimating settling. Order 10-15% extra; soil compresses substantially.
Using fill dirt for gardening. Insufficient nutrients; for non-growing applications only.
Not factoring in soil density. Wet soil dramatically heavier; affects transport.
Comparing without delivery fees. Delivery $40-$150 affects bulk vs. bag math.
Mixing soil types unnecessarily. Most projects best with single matching soil type throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & further reading

Gardening Resources — U.S. Department of Agriculture
Soil Information — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Cooperative Extension Resources — USDA Cooperative Extension System

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Soil Calculator

Estimate how much soil you need for garden beds, lawns, or fill projects. Enter dimensions to calculate volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus estimated weight and cost.

Inputs

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (inches)

Price per Cubic Yard ($)

Results

Cubic Yards

1.85

Weight

1.9 tons

Estimated Cost

$74.07

Soil Breakdown

Measurement	Value
Area	100 sq ft
Depth	6 inches (0.50 ft)
Volume (cubic feet)	50.0
Volume (cubic yards)	1.85
Approx Weight	3,704 lbs
Approx Tons	1.85
Estimated Cost	$74.07

Last updated: May 28, 2026

About this calculator

Formula

How to use this calculator

Enter length and width of area in feet.
Enter depth in inches (typical 4-12 inches for various uses).
Enter price per cubic yard (research local pricing).
Review volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, and total cost.
For ordering: add 10-15% for settling and irregular shapes.
For bag count: divide cubic feet by bag size (1 or 1.5 cu ft typical).
For weight estimation: ~2,000 lbs per cubic yard (standard soil).
For raised beds: account for any existing soil to be removed or amended.
For irregular shapes: break into smaller regular sections, calculate separately, sum.
For specific soil types: factor in actual density vs. standard 2,000 lbs/yard.
For delivery: most yards minimum 1 cubic yard; ask about delivery fees.
For multiple projects: consolidate orders to save delivery costs.