How Much Is a Yard of Soil? Cost, Coverage & How Much You Need
A “yard” of soil means one cubic yard — 27 cubic feet, or a cube 3 feet on each side. Bulk topsoil typically costs $25–$70 per cubic yard plus $30–$120 for delivery, and one cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep. It weighs roughly 1,800–2,600 pounds, so plan delivery or a trailer, not a car trunk.
For small projects (under about 2 cubic yards), bagged soil from a garden center is more practical — but it costs 3–4 times more per cubic yard than bulk. For anything bigger, bulk delivery wins even after the delivery fee. To figure out how much you need: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards.
What Is a Cubic Yard of Soil?
When landscapers say “a yard,” they mean a cubic yard: 27 cubic feet of material (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). It’s the standard unit for bulk soil, mulch, sand, and gravel.
Weight varies a lot by material and moisture. As a rough guide per cubic yard: topsoil ~1,800–2,600 lbs (0.9–1.3 tons); fill dirt ~2,000–2,800 lbs; sand ~2,500–3,000 lbs; mulch ~600–800 lbs; compost ~900–1,600 lbs. Wet soil weighs noticeably more than dry — something to remember before you try hauling it yourself.
How Much Does a Yard of Soil Cost?
Prices vary by region, quality, and season, but these are typical 2026 U.S. ranges for bulk material: fill dirt $5–$35 per cubic yard; basic/unscreened topsoil $10–$40; screened quality topsoil $25–$70; premium topsoil/compost blend $45–$75; mulch $20–$45; sand $15–$40.
Delivery usually adds $30–$120 depending on distance, and many suppliers have a minimum order of 2–3 cubic yards (sometimes with a small-load fee). For a detailed breakdown of topsoil pricing factors, this topsoil cost guide covers bulk vs. bagged comparisons well.
What drives the price up or down?
Screening: triple-screened soil costs more than rough unscreened soil — worth it for lawns and garden beds. Organic matter: blends with 20–30% compost hold moisture better; expect to pay more. Region: cheapest where soil is abundant (Midwest, Southeast), $10–$20/yard higher on the coasts. Season: spring is peak demand; late summer and fall are often 5–15% cheaper. Supplier: local landscape yards consistently beat big-box stores on bulk pricing.
Bulk vs. Bagged: Which Is Cheaper?
A 40-pound bag of topsoil holds roughly half a cubic foot. Since a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, you’d need about 50–55 forty-pound bags to equal one cubic yard — costing roughly $135–$200 at $3–$8 per bag, versus $25–$70 for a bulk yard.
Rule of thumb: the break-even point is around 2 cubic yards. Above that, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper even after the delivery fee. Below that, bags win on convenience — no minimum order, no pile on the driveway.
How Much Area Does a Yard of Soil Cover?
Coverage depends entirely on depth. Quick formula: square feet covered = 324 ÷ depth in inches. So 1 inch deep covers ~324 sq ft; 2 inches ~162 sq ft; 3 inches ~108 sq ft; 4 inches ~81 sq ft; 6 inches ~54 sq ft; 12 inches ~27 sq ft. For a visual reference with more depths, see this cubic yard coverage chart.
How to Calculate How Much Soil You Need
Formula: (Length in feet × Width in feet × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards needed.
Example: a 15 × 10 ft garden bed filled 4 inches deep → 150 × 4 ÷ 324 = 1.85 cubic yards → round up and order 2 yards.
Always order 5–10% extra. Soil settles, ground is never perfectly level, and running short mid-project means paying a second delivery fee.
Will a Yard of Soil Fit in Your Truck?
A full-size pickup bed holds roughly 2 cubic yards by volume — but weight is the real limit. One cubic yard of topsoil can weigh 1,000–1,800+ lbs depending on moisture, so check your truck’s payload rating before loading up. When in doubt, make two trips or pay for delivery.
Moving it by hand? A standard wheelbarrow holds 2–3 cubic feet, so one cubic yard means roughly 9–14 wheelbarrow loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 40 lb bags of topsoil are in a cubic yard?
About 50–55 bags. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet and a 40 lb bag holds roughly half a cubic foot.
Is fill dirt cheaper than topsoil?
Yes — fill dirt typically runs $5–$35 per cubic yard versus $10–$70 for topsoil. But fill dirt has no organic matter or nutrients, so it’s only suitable for leveling and backfill, never for planting.
How much does a yard of mulch cost compared to soil?
Bulk mulch is usually $20–$45 per cubic yard — often cheaper than quality topsoil — and much lighter at 600–800 lbs per yard.
Should I get topsoil delivered or pick it up?
Delivery ($30–$120) makes sense for 2+ cubic yards or if you don’t have a truck/trailer rated for the weight. Pickup is free at most landscape yards and fine for a single yard if your vehicle can handle 1,000–2,000 lbs.
When is the cheapest time to buy soil?
Late summer through fall, when landscaping demand drops — prices can run 5–15% below spring peak.
