Topsoil, the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil, provides the organic matter and structure necessary for healthy plant growth. Determining the amount of topsoil needed for a project is often measured in cubic yards, but the cost for this volume varies significantly and depends heavily on quality and sourcing. While the national average price for a single cubic yard of bulk topsoil falls into a standard range, factors like delivery distance, soil composition, and total volume purchased can shift the final price considerably.
What a Cubic Yard Represents and Typical Pricing
The term “cubic yard” is a standard unit of volume for bulk landscaping materials, representing a cube that measures three feet long, three feet wide, and three feet high. One cubic yard is equivalent to 27 cubic feet and is roughly the size of a large kitchen appliance. This volume is the unit by which bulk material suppliers measure their products.
The cost of one cubic yard of screened, standard topsoil generally ranges from $15 to $55 when purchased in bulk from a local supplier or landscape yard. The lower end of this range is often seen with larger orders that qualify for a volume discount, while smaller orders tend toward the higher end. For small projects, topsoil is often sold in bags, typically 40-pound bags, which dramatically increases the cost per unit. A single cubic yard of topsoil is equivalent to approximately 18 to 36 of these bags, translating to a price of $50 to $225 for the same volume of material.
Key Factors That Influence the Final Cost
The most significant variable in topsoil pricing is the quality and composition of the material. Unscreened, basic fill dirt, which is used for leveling large areas and contains rocks or debris, is the least expensive option. Screened loam, which has been filtered to remove larger physical contaminants, is the standard for general landscaping and falls within the average price range.
Specialized soil blends, such as “super loam” or garden mix, command the highest prices because they are amended with organic materials like compost, peat, or manure for optimized plant health. These blends can cost $30 to $50 or more per cubic yard, depending on the specific ratio of sand, silt, and clay they contain. The source of the topsoil also affects the price, with local landscape suppliers often offering better bulk pricing than big-box hardware stores.
Delivery fees represent one of the largest variable costs in a topsoil purchase, as they are rarely included in the initial per-yard price. These fees are typically calculated based on the distance from the supplier to the project site and the total volume ordered. A flat delivery fee can range from $50 to $150 per trip, though some suppliers charge an hourly rate for the truck and driver. The massive price difference between bulk and bagged topsoil is a direct reflection of the labor, packaging, and retail overhead.
Determining How Much Topsoil Your Project Requires
The basic calculation begins by measuring the three dimensions of the area to be covered: length, width, and depth. All three measurements must be converted into feet before proceeding with the calculation. The volume is calculated by multiplying the length by the width by the desired depth, yielding the total volume in cubic feet. To convert this figure to the standard unit of purchase, cubic yards, the total cubic feet must be divided by 27. Project type dictates the required depth, which is the most common variable to miscalculate. For example, overseeding an existing lawn or light top-dressing typically requires only one to two inches of depth. Creating a new lawn, establishing a vegetable garden, or filling a raised bed may require six to eight inches of topsoil to provide adequate rooting depth.