Topsoil Weight by Type
Weight varies significantly by soil composition and moisture. Dry, screened topsoil is the lightest; wet, clay-heavy soil can weigh 40% more — important to know before loading a truck.
| Topsoil Type | Lbs / Cubic Yard | Tons / Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Dry screened topsoil | 1,400–1,600 lbs | 0.7–0.8 tons |
| Moist loamy topsoil | 1,600–1,800 lbs | 0.8–0.9 tons |
| Wet clay topsoil | 1,800–2,200 lbs | 0.9–1.1 tons |
| Compost-rich topsoil | 1,200–1,500 lbs | 0.6–0.75 tons |
| Sandy topsoil | 1,300–1,500 lbs | 0.65–0.75 tons |
| Vehicle | Payload Capacity | Max Topsoil (dry) |
|---|---|---|
| Half-ton pickup (F-150 etc.) | ~1,000–1,500 lbs | 0.6–0.9 cubic yards |
| 3/4-ton pickup (F-250 etc.) | ~2,000–2,500 lbs | 1.2–1.5 cubic yards |
| 1-ton pickup (F-350 etc.) | ~3,000–4,000 lbs | 1.8–2.5 cubic yards |
| Small dump truck | 5–8 tons | 5–8 cubic yards |
How Much Is a Yard of Topsoil?
Bulk topsoil price varies by quality, region, and supplier. Screened topsoil (sifted to remove rocks and debris) costs more but is far easier to spread and integrates better with existing soil.
| Topsoil Type | Price / Cubic Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Unscreened / fill | $10–$20 | Grading, filling holes |
| Screened topsoil | $20–$40 | Lawns, general landscaping |
| Premium blended | $35–$55 | Vegetable gardens, new lawn seeding |
| Bagged (40 lb bags) | $5–$8 / bag ($180–$290/yd³) | Small raised beds only |
Add $40–$75 for delivery within 10–15 miles. Most suppliers have a 1–3 yard minimum for delivery.
Topsoil Coverage Chart
Coverage depends entirely on depth. The right depth depends on your project — see the table below.
| Depth | Coverage / Yard | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | Light overseeding prep |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | Lawn top-dressing, over existing grass |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | New lawn from seed |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | New lawn (optimal depth) |
| 8 inches | 40 sq ft | Vegetable / raised garden beds |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | Deep raised beds, container filling |
How Much Topsoil Do You Need?
The formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Here are the most common projects:
Till topsoil into existing soil 2–3 inches deep for best root penetration. Water immediately after seeding.
Spread over thin or patchy areas with a landscape rake. Overseed immediately. Do not exceed 2 inches or you smother existing grass.
Mix with 20–30% compost for best results. Pure topsoil alone compacts — always blend.
Use unscreened fill topsoil ($10–$20/yard) for this — no need for premium screened soil.
Scratch surface lightly, apply thin topsoil layer, broadcast seed, water. Results in 2–4 weeks.
How to Spot Good Topsoil
Not all topsoil is equal. Before ordering a load, check these quality indicators:
Calculate exactly how much topsoil you need
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