Ordering bulk landscaping materials like dirt, compost, or gravel often begins with a confusing question: how much is in a “load”? This uncertainty arises because purchasers frequently encounter two very different units of measure used within the industry. While people instinctively ask for a “load,” this term is not a standardized unit of measure and leads to unpredictable results. The professional standard for pricing, ordering, and delivery of all bulk materials is the cubic yard. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward accurately procuring the correct amount of material for any project.
Defining the Cubic Yard Standard
The cubic yard provides a universal, fixed measure, ensuring consistency across all suppliers and materials. By definition, one cubic yard represents a volume equivalent to a cube measuring exactly three feet long, three feet wide, and three feet high. This three-dimensional measurement calculates to 27 cubic feet of material. This standardized unit is mandated because it provides a precise, quantifiable basis for transactions, regardless of the material’s density or weight. This fixed volume is the reliable way to compare prices and quantities when purchasing soil, mulch, or aggregate. This foundational understanding allows consumers to move past vague terms and purchase based on accurate volume.
Calculating Your Volume Needs
Determining the precise amount of dirt required for a project begins with accurately measuring the area and the desired depth. The fundamental formula for calculating volume is Length multiplied by Width multiplied by Depth (L x W x D). All three measurements must be expressed in feet to yield a result in cubic feet, which can then be converted into the industry standard cubic yards.
A common oversight occurs when measuring the necessary depth, as this is typically taken in inches for smaller projects like garden beds or topdressing lawns. To integrate this measurement into the cubic yard formula, the depth in inches must be converted to feet by dividing the depth measurement by 12. For example, a four-inch depth becomes 4 divided by 12, resulting in 0.33 feet.
Consider a garden bed measuring 10 feet long and 10 feet wide, requiring four inches of new topsoil. The calculation starts with the converted depth of 0.33 feet. Multiplying the dimensions (\(10 \text{ ft} \times 10 \text{ ft} \times 0.33 \text{ ft}\)) yields a total volume of 33 cubic feet. Since one cubic yard is equivalent to 27 cubic feet, the final step is to divide the calculated cubic feet by 27, which equals approximately 1.22 cubic yards.
When planning, it is prudent to factor in the natural settling and compaction of the bulk material after delivery. Materials like loose topsoil or compost can compress by 10 to 20 percent once they are spread and watered. Ordering a slight surplus, perhaps rounding the 1.22 cubic yards up to 1.5 cubic yards, helps ensure the final desired depth is achieved.
Why the Term Load Varies
The confusion surrounding the “load” quantity stems from the fact that it is a logistical term directly tied to the capacity of the delivery vehicle, not a fixed volumetric measurement. A “load” simply refers to the amount a specific truck can safely and legally carry in a single trip. Therefore, the volume of a “load” can change dramatically depending on the size and type of the supplier’s truck.
For residential deliveries, many suppliers use a smaller, single-axle dump truck, which typically carries between five and eight cubic yards of material. Conversely, larger commercial projects might involve a tandem-axle truck, capable of hauling a much larger volume, often ranging from 10 to 20 cubic yards per trip. This wide variation highlights why ordering by “load” is unreliable and can lead to significant shortages or over-purchasing.
Weight and Density Limitations
Another factor influencing the size of a deliverable “load” is the material’s weight and density. While trucks have a volumetric capacity, they also have strict weight limits governed by road safety regulations. Dense materials, such as heavy clay soil, sand, or crushed stone, often reach the truck’s maximum legal weight limit before they fill its volumetric capacity.
For instance, a cubic yard of lightweight mulch might only weigh 500 pounds, allowing the truck to carry its full eight-yard volume capacity. However, a cubic yard of dense gravel can weigh over 3,000 pounds, meaning a truck rated for a 10-ton (20,000-pound) payload will be limited to carrying only six or seven cubic yards of gravel. In these cases, the truck’s weight capacity limits the “load” size. To avoid potential miscommunication, customers should always communicate their needs to the supplier using the standardized cubic yard measurement. This practice removes the ambiguity associated with different truck sizes and material weights.