How Much Is a Yard of Dirt? The Clear, Friendly Guide to Cost, Weight, and Coverage

You’ve got a low spot to fill, a garden bed to build, or a fresh lawn to top-dress. The first question is simple: how much is a yard of dirt—and how do you make sure you order the right amount without wasting money or overloading your truck? This guide walks you through cost, weight, coverage, and the exact math you’ll use this weekend. No fluff—just solid information you can act on. 📏

What a “Cubic Yard” Actually Means (and Why the Number 27 Matters)

A cubic yard is a cube measuring 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft—27 cubic feet. That “27” is the conversion you’ll use over and over. Buying bagged soil? Most bags are 1 or 2 cubic feet, so one yard equals 27 one-foot bags or about 13–14 two-foot bags.

If you like official references and step-by-step examples, this Oregon State University Extension sheet shows exactly how to measure, convert to cubic feet, and then divide by 27: Oregon State Extension: compost & cubic-yard math.

Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over the lush green lawn in a peaceful park setting.

How Much Is a Yard of Dirt? (Price Snapshot You Can Trust)

Let’s answer the headline question quickly, then unpack details. For bulk topsoil, a common nationwide range is $15–$30 per cubic yard before delivery. Premium screened blends, specialty mixes, and longer delivery distances can push the all-in number to $35–$55+ per yard. Consumer price snapshots and contractor quotes have reported similar ranges for years; see the national overview here: Angi: topsoil cost per yard.

Bagged soil is far more expensive per unit once you do the math. It’s convenient, but once you convert bags to a yard, you’ll often end up paying $80–$120+ per cubic yard equivalent. Browse a big-box category to see typical bag sizes and prices: Home Depot: topsoil category.

Bottom line: for any project larger than a few planters, bulk almost always wins on price.

The “Dirt” You Buy Changes the Price (and the Results)

Not all dirt is equal. Choosing the right material keeps your project on budget and performing well.

• Fill dirt: Inexpensive subsoil used to build up grade and fill holes; not ideal for planting.

• Unscreened topsoil: May include rocks/roots; fine for base layers under nicer soil.

• Screened topsoil: Sifted for uniform texture; the go-to for lawns and garden beds.

• Specialty blends (loam, compost-amended, raised-bed mixes): Best for planting performance; pricier per yard.

If you’re growing turf or plants, don’t use pure fill for the surface. Use screened topsoil or a loam blend for the top few inches and amend as needed.

Examining the fertility of the soil, hands gently cradle rich earth under the warm outdoor sun.

How Much Is a Yard of Dirt Weigh? (Plan This Before You Load the Truck)

Weight depends on texture (sand vs. silt/clay/organic matter) and moisture (dry vs. damp). Soil scientists summarize this with bulk density—mass per volume. The USDA NRCS has a concise explainer on how texture and moisture swing real-world weights and compaction: USDA NRCS: bulk density guide.

Practical homeowner ranges for one cubic yard:

• Dry, screened topsoil: ~1,500–2,000 lb/yd³

• Moist topsoil (most common): ~2,000–2,500 lb/yd³ (≈ 1.0–1.25 tons/yd³)

• Sandy “dirt”: ~2,600–3,000 lb/yd³ (sand is denser)

• Compost-heavy mixes: ~1,000–1,400 lb/yd³ (lighter)

If you’re hauling yourself, plan conservatively for ~1–1.25 tons per yard of moist topsoil. Your suspension—and your weekend—will be happier. 🚚

Coverage: How Far Does One Yard Actually Go?

A reliable rule many universities publish: 1 cubic yard covers ~100 square feet at 3 inches deep. This works whether you’re spreading topsoil, compost, or mulch because the geometry is the same. For a clear, printable reference, see: University of California ANR: coverage rule.

Quick conversions you’ll use repeatedly:

• 1 yd³ @ 3" → ~100 sq ft

• 1 yd³ @ 2" → ~160 sq ft

• 1 yd³ @ 1" → ~325 sq ft

Step-by-Step: Calculate Exactly How Many Yards You Need

Step 1 — Measure the area.Length × width in feet. If the space is irregular, break it into rectangles/circles and add them up.

Step 2 — Choose your depth.Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12.

• Lawn topdressing: 0.5–1.0"

• New lawn base/topsoil cap: 3–6"

• Garden bed top layer: 2–4"

• Leveling/fill: as needed; cap with better soil where plants grow

Step 3 — Compute the volume in cubic feet.Volume (ft³) = Length × Width × Depth (in feet).

Step 4 — Convert to cubic yards.Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 (that magic number). A university walkthrough of this exact math lives here: OSU Extension: compost & cubic-yard math.

Step 5 — Add a buffer.Round up 10–15% for compaction, raking, and edges. It’s cheaper than paying for a second small delivery.

Worked Example A: Garden Bed

A 20 ft × 15 ft bed at 3" (0.25 ft):

• Cubic feet = 20 × 15 × 0.25 = 75 ft³

• Cubic yards = 75 ÷ 27 = 2.78 yd³ → order 3.0 yd³ (allows for compaction and minor grading)

Worked Example B: Lawn Topdressing

A 5,000 sq ft lawn at 0.5" (0.0417 ft):

• Cubic feet = 5,000 × 0.0417 ≈ 208 ft³

• Cubic yards = 208 ÷ 27 ≈ 7.7 yd³ → buy 8–8.5 yd³ to be safe

Pricing in Detail: Bulk vs. Bags vs. Delivery (and What “All-In” Really Means)

Bulk topsoil usually lands in the $15–$30 per yard range before delivery; quality, screening, and blends move the needle. Premium or long-haul deliveries often end up $35–$55+ per

yard all-in once delivery fees are spread across the order. That aligns with long-standing national snapshots: Angi: topsoil cost per yard.

Bagged soil can be 3–5× the per-yard cost after conversion—especially brand-name mixes. A quick browse of a major retailer shows typical bag prices and sizes so you can run a fair comparison: Home Depot: topsoil category.

Delivery: Expect $50–$150+ depending on distance, truck minimums (many yards require 2–5 yd³), and time windows. Pro move: order a bit more to amortize the delivery fee across each yard, or split a truckload with a neighbor.

For a simple look at truckload vs. bag math, this long-standing homeowner explainer clarifies bulk vs. bag economics: Angi: truckload of fill/topsoil.

Moisture, Weight, and Scheduling: Plan for Real-World Conditions

Soil gets heavier after rain, and different textures pack differently. That’s bulk density again—the reason you can’t plan loads by volume alone. A safe planning estimate for how much is a yard of dirt weigh is ~2,000–2,500 lb for moist topsoil (about 1–1.25 tons per yard), heavier if sandy or saturated. If you’re towing, confirm your payload; otherwise, let the supplier deliver.

The science behind this is summarized clearly by the USDA NRCS: NRCS: bulk density, moisture & aeration.

Quality Checklist Before You Buy (Avoid Problems You Can’t Rake Out)

• Screening: Ask the sieve size (e.g., ½") and whether they screen on site.

• Texture: For lawns and beds, a loam blend (balanced sand/silt/clay) gives structure and drainage.

• Debris: Watch for rocks larger than a walnut, plastic, glass, or excessive wood.

• Smell: You want earthy, not swampy.

• Origin: Reputable suppliers can explain where the soil comes from.

Coverage & Conversion Cheats You’ll Use Again and Again

• 1 yd³ ≈ 100 sq ft @ 3" depth (standard rule across extensions). Reference: UC ANR coverage rule.

• 27 ft³ = 1 yd³ (useful for bag conversions and calculators). Example math: OSU Extension cubic-yard guide.

• Helpful tables and examples (mulch/compost math is identical for volume): UC ANR example calculations.

  
  

The Smart Way to Order (Even If It’s Your First Project)

• Measure, then math: L × W × D → ft³ → ÷ 27 = yd³; add 10–15%.

• Call 2–3 suppliers: Ask price per yard, delivery fee, and minimums.

• Clarify “screened”: Ask about sieve size and whether you’re getting a loam blend or just sifted native soil.

• Plan the drop: Confirm access (overhead lines, soft turf, tight gates). Lay a tarp if you care about cleanup.

• Stage tools: Wheelbarrow, square shovel, steel rake. A compact loader turns a long day into a short one. 🌱

• Spread and finish: Place bulk piles around the site, rough-spread, then rake to final grade. If seeding, roll lightly and water.

Common Depth Targets (So You Don’t Guess)

• New lawn: 3–6" topsoil base before seed/sod.

• Topdressing established lawn: 0.5–1.0" per pass; brush into the canopy.

• Flower/vegetable beds: 2–4" top layer over loosened native soil; amend as needed.

• Low spots/leveling: Build height with fill, cap with 2–4" screened topsoil where plants will grow.

Quick Cost Scenarios (So You Can Sanity-Check Your Budget)

Scenario 1 — Small garden bedYou need 2.8 yd³. Local screened topsoil is $25/yd³; delivery is $80.

• Material: $25 × 3 = $75

• Delivery: $80

• Total: $155 all-in (plus tax).

Scenario 2 — Lawn topdressingYou need 8 yd³ of screened topsoil at $22/yd³, delivery $100.

• Material: $176

• Delivery: $100

• Total: $276 → $34.50 per yard all-in (notice how the per-yard cost drops with a larger order).

Scenario 3 — Bagged equivalentConverting 1 yd³ into 1-cu-ft bags at $5.50/bag = $148.50 per yard equivalent, before tax and transport—vs. $20–$35 bulk. See typical bag prices/sizes here: Home Depot: topsoil category.

Mistakes to Dodge (Hard-Learned Lessons You Don’t Need to Repeat)

• Ordering by vibe instead of math: Measure. Convert. Round up 10–15%.

• Using fill on the surface: It compacts and starves roots. Cap with screened topsoil.

• Towing too much: Moist topsoil is heavy; plan ~1–1.25 tons per yard.

• Ignoring delivery details: Confirm access and dump spot; tarp if needed.

• Skipping depth planning: Depth drives volume. A half-inch mistake across a lawn is several yards.

Hands gently hold a mound of soil, symbolizing the connection to the earth and the potential for growth and cultivation.

Recap: The Answers You Came For

• how much is a yard of dirt cost? Most homeowners pay ~$20–$35 per yard for bulk topsoil before delivery; $10–$55 is the wider range depending on type and market. See: Angi cost overview.

• how much is a yard of dirt weigh? Plan ~2,000–2,500 lb per yard for moist screened topsoil (about 1–1.25 tons/yd³), heavier if sandy or saturated. See: USDA NRCS bulk density guidance.

• how much is a cubic yard of dirt in coverage? ~100 sq ft at 3" is the standard rule of thumb. See: UC ANR coverage rule.

Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Guess—Just Use the Numbers

Remember three things and you’ll be set: 1) a yard is 27 cubic feet—measure your space, do the math, and divide by 27; 2) 1 yard covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches, so use that to reality-check your order; 3) most homeowners pay ~$20–$35 per yard for bulk topsoil before delivery, and a safe planning weight is ~1–1.25 tons per yard. With those anchors—and the sources linked above—you’ll buy the right dirt, in the right amount, and finish the job without stress. 😊

FAQ

Q: So, how much is a yard of dirt—bottom line?A: Expect about $20–$35 per yard for bulk topsoil before delivery (typical range $10–$55), ~2,000–2,500 lb per yard, and ~100 sq ft of coverage at 3".