A cubic yard (CY) is a standard unit of volume used to measure and purchase bulk landscaping materials like topsoil, compost, and mulch. It represents the total amount of material that fits into a three-dimensional cube. This measurement standardizes the buying process for large projects, ensuring customers receive a consistent volume regardless of the soil’s specific type or weight. Professionals and homeowners rely on this unit when planning projects like filling raised garden beds, leveling a yard, or preparing an area for new planting.
Visualizing the Volume
A single cubic yard (CY) is defined by a volume measuring three feet wide, three feet long, and three feet deep. This means that one cubic yard contains exactly 27 cubic feet of material, derived from the calculation of 3 x 3 x 3 feet.
To help visualize this volume, one cubic yard is approximately the size of a standard washing machine or a large kitchen stove. It is also comparable to the volume of space found inside a large refrigerator box. This physical comparison helps translate the abstract measurement into a tangible pile of soil you can expect to receive.
Calculating Your Project Needs
Accurately calculating your soil needs begins with measuring the dimensions of your project area in feet. You will need the length and width of the space you plan to cover, as well as the desired depth of the soil layer to determine the total volume of space you need to fill.
The first part of the calculation is to find the total cubic feet required by multiplying the length by the width, and then multiplying that result by the desired depth, ensuring all three measurements are in feet. For instance, a garden bed that is 10 feet long by 10 feet wide with a desired depth of 1 foot equals 100 cubic feet (10 x 10 x 1). If your depth is measured in inches, you must first convert it to feet by dividing the inches by 12.
The final step is to convert the total cubic feet into the cubic yards required for ordering. Since one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet, divide your total cubic feet by 27. Continuing the example, 100 cubic feet divided by 27 equals approximately 3.7 cubic yards of soil needed. Performing this calculation helps prevent the mistake of ordering too little or too much material.
Ordering and Delivery Logistics
Once the necessary volume is calculated, the next phase involves understanding the logistics of ordering the soil. Bulk soil suppliers typically require orders in whole or half cubic yards, so the calculated number should be rounded up to the nearest acceptable increment. This rounding is prudent as it accounts for some natural compaction or settling of the material after delivery.
The weight of a cubic yard of soil is not fixed, varying significantly based on its moisture content and composition. Dry topsoil generally weighs between 2,200 and 2,600 pounds, while a wetter soil blend can weigh upwards of 3,000 to 3,400 pounds. This weight variability is the primary reason soil is sold by the consistent measure of volume (cubic yards) rather than weight (tons).
For delivery, prepare a clear and stable drop zone for the heavy delivery truck. The soil will be dumped in a large pile, so a designated area, often covered with a tarp for easier cleanup, is advised. Preparing the site ensures a smooth process and places the material close to your work site.