When tackling a large landscaping or construction project, purchasing material like soil in bulk is the most economical approach. Suppliers standardize these large quantities using the cubic yard as the primary unit of measure. This unit defines a precise volume, which helps translate project dimensions into a manageable quantity for purchase. This article clarifies the physical dimensions of a cubic yard and the variables that determine its final price and usability.
Understanding the Physical Volume of a Cubic Yard
A cubic yard is a specific measurement of volume, representing the space within a cube that is three feet wide, three feet long, and three feet high. This volume equals exactly 27 cubic feet. For visualization, one cubic yard of soil is roughly the size of a standard washing machine or a large kitchen stove.
This volume offers a large coverage area when spread thinly across the ground. A single cubic yard of soil can cover an area of 100 square feet to a uniform depth of about three inches. When top-dressing a lawn, that same cubic yard could cover over 300 square feet at a depth of one inch.
The weight of a cubic yard of soil is highly variable, depending mostly on its composition and moisture content. Dry, screened topsoil typically weighs between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds per cubic yard. Soil saturated after a heavy rain can absorb significant water, causing its weight to increase substantially. Wet soil can easily weigh up to 3,000 pounds per cubic yard, which is an important consideration for transport and delivery weight limits.
Key Factors Determining the Price of Soil
The price of a cubic yard of soil is not fixed and generally ranges from $10 to $55, influenced primarily by the type and quality of the soil being purchased. Basic fill dirt, which is often unscreened and intended only for raising grade or filling large holes, is the least expensive option.
Screened topsoil, filtered to remove large rocks, debris, and roots, is a more refined product and costs more than unscreened material. Premium soil blends, such as those amended with compost or specific ratios of sand, silt, and clay (often called loam or garden mix), command the highest prices. These specialized mixes offer better drainage and nutrient retention for planting, justifying their higher cost.
Sourcing also plays a role, as locally available soil may be cheaper than specialized products that need to be imported or highly processed. The quoted price from a supplier almost never includes the cost of delivery, which is a separate and often substantial fee. Delivery charges vary based on the total quantity ordered and the distance from the supply yard.
Some suppliers offer a tiered fee structure, while others charge a flat rate that can range from $50 to over $200 per truckload. Purchasing a larger quantity of soil often results in a volume discount, meaning the price per cubic yard decreases when ordering multiple yards. It is helpful to compare the total delivered cost, not just the per-yard price, when evaluating suppliers.
Calculating Exactly How Much Soil You Need
Determining the exact amount of soil required involves a straightforward calculation of volume. The process begins by accurately measuring the length and width of the area you intend to fill or cover, using feet as the unit of measure.
Next, establish the required depth of the soil layer, typically measured in inches. Since the final formula uses feet, convert the depth by dividing the inches by 12. For example, a depth of four inches converts to approximately 0.33 feet.
To find the total volume in cubic feet, multiply the length, the width, and the depth (all in feet). Convert this cubic footage into cubic yards by dividing the total cubic feet by 27.
For example, a garden bed measuring 10 feet long by 5 feet wide, requiring 6 inches of soil, equals 25 cubic feet (10 x 5 x 0.5). Dividing 25 by 27 results in 0.93 cubic yards needed. It is common practice to round this final number up when ordering to account for settling, compaction, and measurement errors.