A cubic yard of soil is a volume measurement (27 cubic feet, defined by a space three feet long, three feet wide, and three feet high) used by homeowners and landscapers to estimate material needs. When purchasing soil, the weight of one cubic yard is not a fixed number. The weight changes dramatically based on the soil’s composition and current condition, meaning calculating project weight requires more than a simple conversion factor.
Understanding the Standard Weight of a Cubic Yard
Industry professionals rely on a baseline average to provide initial estimates for general topsoil, which is often the material purchased for common landscaping projects. A cubic yard of typical, loose, dry topsoil generally weighs around 2,000 to 2,100 pounds. This figure is used as the starting point for calculating the total tonnage needed for a project.
However, the real-world range for topsoil as delivered often falls between 2,200 and 2,700 pounds per cubic yard (1.1 to 1.35 tons). This higher range accounts for typical moisture content and compaction that occurs during loading and transport. While using a weight near the middle of this range is practical for preliminary estimates, the true weight can fluctuate by several hundred pounds depending on the material’s handling and environment.
Key Factors Influencing Soil Density and Weight
The main reason soil weight varies so significantly is the presence of water, making moisture content the largest factor affecting density. A cubic yard of soil that is completely dry may weigh 2,000 pounds, but if that same volume becomes saturated after a heavy rain, its weight can increase to 3,000 pounds or more. Water is heavy, and soil’s porous structure allows it to absorb and hold a substantial amount, directly adding to the total mass.
The compaction level of the soil also plays a significant role in determining its final weight per cubic yard. Soil that is freshly screened and loose, sometimes referred to as “fluffed,” will have more air pockets and a lower density. Conversely, soil that has been mechanically packed or settled by its own weight over time is denser and therefore weighs more for the same volume. A cubic yard of loose earth might weigh about 2,050 pounds, while the same material when packed can be closer to 2,565 pounds.
The third primary variable is the organic matter content and overall material composition. Mineral soils, which are high in sand, silt, and clay particles, are inherently dense. When mineral soil is amended with lighter materials like peat moss or compost, the overall bulk density decreases. These organic amendments are lighter by volume than the mineral particles they replace, resulting in a lower total weight for the cubic yard.
Weight Comparison of Specific Soil Types
Different soil types and amendments have distinct weight characteristics due to their particle size, structure, and water retention capacity. A cubic yard of dry sand, a mineral soil with little organic matter, is quite dense and can weigh approximately 2,750 pounds. The uniform particles of sand pack together tightly, minimizing air space even when dry.
In comparison, heavy soil like wet clay can be even denser, easily approaching 2,970 pounds per cubic yard. Clay soil’s plate-like structure holds water tenaciously, and its fine particles pack down into a dense, heavy mass when wet.
Standard screened topsoil, a mix of mineral particles and organic material, often falls in the middle, weighing about 2,050 pounds when loose. This weight is lower than sand or clay due to air pockets and lighter organic matter. Conversely, a specialty lightweight garden mix, high in compost, perlite, or peat, may be the lightest material. This high percentage of low-density organic material can result in a weight significantly lower than standard topsoil, sometimes closer to 1,500 pounds, even with moderate moisture.
Estimating Total Project Weight for Safe Transport
When planning a project, calculating the total weight is important, especially when arranging transport or delivery. To estimate the total load for a multi-yard project, use the high-end of the average range for topsoil, about 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, as a starting point. For example, five cubic yards of soil would total 13,500 pounds.
It is always safer to assume the soil will be wet or compacted, which is the most prudent approach for transportation logistics. The large swing in weight between dry and wet soil—up to 1,000 pounds per yard—can easily overload a vehicle. If you pick up the material yourself, you must know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your truck or trailer.
Using the higher weight estimate prevents overloading, which can strain a vehicle’s suspension, tires, and brakes. If your soil is delivered directly, confirm the supplier’s weight estimate and ensure the delivery truck has adequate clearance and access for a heavy load. A conservative weight estimate protects both your vehicle and your safety.