How Much Does a Yard of Topsoil Weigh?
By Nick · Updated
A cubic yard of dry, loose topsoil or dirt weighs about 2,160 to 2,242 pounds, or 1.08 to 1.12 tons. Packed-down soil is much heavier, up to about 3,600 pounds a yard. Wet soil also weighs more than dry.
Work out how much topsoil you needKey figures
- Dry, loose soil: about 2,160 to 2,242 lb per cubic yard.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
- Dry, packed-down soil: about 3,600 lb per cubic yard.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014)
- One ton of dry topsoil is about 0.89 to 0.93 cubic yards.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
Why do topsoil weights vary?
Packing and water. Loose soil holds air; packed soil and wet soil hold more weight in the same space.
The California DOT lists dry, clay-bearing soil at 2,160 lb a yard loose and 3,600 lb packed down.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014)
How much does a load of topsoil weigh?
Multiply the cubic yards by the weight per yard. For dry, loose topsoil:
- 1 cubic yard: 2,160 to 2,242 lb (1.1 tons)
- 3 cubic yards: 6,480 to 6,726 lb (3.2 to 3.4 tons)
- 5 cubic yards: 10,800 to 11,210 lb (5.4 to 5.6 tons)
- 10 cubic yards: 21,600 to 22,420 lb (10.8 to 11.2 tons)
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
How many yards of topsoil are in a ton?
About 0.89 to 0.93 cubic yards of dry, loose topsoil.
Divide 2,000 lb by the weight of a cubic yard. Damp soil gives you fewer yards per ton.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
How does topsoil compare by condition?
Weight per cubic yard, dry:
| Material | Lb per cubic yard | Tons per cubic yard | Cubic yards per ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topsoil, loose | 2,160 to 2,242 | 1.08 to 1.12 | 0.89 to 0.93 |
| Soil, packed down | 3,600 | 1.8 | 0.56 |
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
Other questions
How much does a yard of dirt weigh?
About 2,160 to 2,242 pounds dry and loose, the same as topsoil. Packed-down dirt weighs up to about 3,600 pounds a yard.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
How many cubic yards are in a ton of dirt?
About 0.89 to 0.93 cubic yards of dry, loose dirt.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
Is a yard of topsoil a ton?
Close to it when dry and loose: 1.08 to 1.12 tons. Damp or packed soil is heavier.
Source: Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014); USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
At least 4 inches, and 6 inches or more is better. Over 1,000 square feet, 6 inches is 18.5 cubic yards.
Source: New Mexico State University, Guide H-509; Purdue Extension, AY-28-W
How we worked this out
Loose weight is the California DOT's figure for dry soil (2,160 lb per cubic yard) and the USDA NRCS's typical medium-textured soil, converted to pounds per cubic yard with NIST's exact factors.
Sources
- Caltrans Maintenance Manual, Appendix (2014)
- USDA NRCS, Soil Quality Indicators: Bulk Density
- New Mexico State University, Guide H-509
- Purdue Extension, AY-28-W
- NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C