Topsoil Calculator
Free topsoil calculator. Instant cubic yards, tons at 2,160 lb/yd³, and lawn coverage at 3–6 inch depth. Last reviewed August 2026. Free, no sign-up, mobile-friendly.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
One cubic yard of topsoil weighs 2,160 lb (1.08 US tons). That's the compacted weight — topsoil compacts by a factor of ×1.10 when ordered by the yard.
| Depth | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 3 inches | 108 ft² |
| 4 inches | 81 ft² |
| 6 inches | 54 ft² |
One cubic yard of topsoil is 0.8 half-ton pickup loads, or about 0.06 tandem-axle dump truck loads.
Topsoil is the upper, screened layer of soil — the part that holds organic matter, drains well, and supports plant life. A cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 2,160 lb (1.08 US tons). It covers about 108 ft² at 3 inches deep or 54 ft² at 6 inches — the typical depths for new lawn installation.
Topsoil is the right material when you're trying to grow something. For building up grade without planting, fill dirt is cheaper and works just as well.
How much topsoil for a new lawn?
The rule of thumb is 4–6 inches of topsoil over the area. For a 1,000 ft² lawn:
- 4 inches: 1,000 × 4 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 12.3 yd³ → order 14 yd³ with 10% waste
- 6 inches: 1,000 × 6 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 18.5 yd³ → order 20 yd³ with 10% waste
Most bulk topsoil is sold by the yard and delivered by tandem dump truck. A 20 yd³ order will need a 15+ ton truck, so check access before ordering.
Screened vs unscreened topsoil
Screened topsoil has been run through a mesh (typically 3/4″ or 1/2″) to remove rocks, roots, and clods. It's what you want for a finished lawn or bed. Unscreened topsoil (sometimes called "raw" or "field" topsoil) is cheaper but full of rocks and clods; it works for filling large holes but not for a finished surface.
Buying in bulk vs by the bag
For anything over 1 yd³, bulk is dramatically cheaper. A yard of screened topsoil delivered runs $35–$60 in most US markets; the same yard in 40 lb bags costs $400+ and is enough exercise to ruin your weekend. Order bulk.
Compaction
Topsoil settles under rain and foot traffic — plan on 10% compaction (×1.10 in the calculator). For deeper applications where the topsoil will be mechanically compacted (a lawn roller, for instance), bump the factor to 1.15.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
One cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 2,160 lb (1.08 US tons) for screened topsoil.
How many square feet does a yard of topsoil cover?
One cubic yard covers about 108 ft² at 3 in deep or 54 ft² at 6 in deep — typical lawn-prep depths.
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
Plan on 4–6 inches of topsoil over the area. For a 1,000 ft² lawn that's 12–19 yd³.