Short answer: A cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 1.2 tons, or roughly 2,400 pounds. Wet or clay-heavy soil weighs more, and dry sandy soil weighs less.
| Cubic yards | Tons | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.2 | 2,400 |
| 2 | 2.4 | 4,800 |
| 3 | 3.6 | 7,200 |
| 5 | 6 | 12,000 |
| 10 | 12 | 24,000 |
Why the weight changes
Moisture is the biggest factor. Soil that has been rained on can weigh 20% to 30% more than dry soil. Compost-rich blends are lighter, and soil with a lot of clay or sand is heavier. Ask your supplier for a typical weight and use it in your plan.
Planning the delivery
A single cubic yard can be more than a standard pickup is safe to carry, so check your payload rating before you load up. For anything over a yard, delivery is usually the better choice. Use the topsoil calculator to turn your bed size and depth into cubic yards first.
Worked example
A bed of 200 sq ft filled 4 inches deep takes 2.59 cubic yards including 5% extra. At 1.2 tons per cubic yard that is about 3.11 tons.
Use the Topsoil CalculatorEnter your own measurements and get an exact amount.
Frequently asked questions
How many pounds is a cubic foot of topsoil?
About 89 pounds, since 2,400 pounds per cubic yard divided by 27 is about 89.
How many bags of topsoil make a cubic yard?
27 bags of 1 cubic foot each, or 54 bags of 0.5 cubic feet each.
Is bulk topsoil cheaper than bags?
Usually, once you need more than about 2 cubic yards. Delivery fees can change that for small amounts.
Related calculators
Figures are typical planning values. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.