TC TopsoilCalc

Volume-to-weight estimate

How Much Does a Yard of Topsoil Weigh?

One cubic yard of medium-textured topsoil weighs about 2,240 pounds, or 1.12 short tons, using a dry bulk density of 1.33 g/cm3. Actual delivered weight changes with soil composition, packing and moisture.

Quick answer: plan on roughly 2,200 lb per cubic yard, then confirm the load with your supplier.

Topsoil Weight Calculator

Estimated topsoil weight
2,242 lb
Short tons1.12
Kilograms1,017 kg
Metric tonnes1.02

1 cubic yard at 1.33 g/cm3 dry bulk density. This is a planning estimate, not a scale weight.

Topsoil Weight by Cubic Yard

The table compares three dry bulk-density assumptions. Delivered topsoil may fall outside these estimates, especially when it is wet or contains stones.

Topsoil volumeLight 1.00 g/cm3Medium 1.33 g/cm3Dense 1.60 g/cm3
0.5 cubic yard843 lb1,121 lb1,348 lb
1 cubic yard1,686 lb2,242 lb2,697 lb
2 cubic yards3,371 lb4,484 lb5,394 lb
3 cubic yards5,057 lb6,725 lb8,091 lb
5 cubic yards8,428 lb11,209 lb13,484 lb

Why Topsoil Weight Varies

Topsoil is not a standardized product. Two piles with the same volume can have different weights because bulk density includes the pore space between particles.

  • Organic-rich, loose soil usually has lower dry bulk density.
  • Mineral-heavy or compacted soil has less pore space and weighs more.
  • Water adds weight that a dry bulk-density estimate does not include.
  • Stones, roots and screened particle size change the final load.

The Weight Formula

Weight is volume multiplied by bulk density. The calculator converts every input to cubic meters, applies density, then converts the result to the selected output units.

Calculation weight = volume x bulk density
Density source: USDA NRCS defines dry bulk density as dry soil weight divided by total soil volume and gives 1.33 g/cm3 as a rule-of-thumb value for medium-textured mineral soil with about 50% pore space. Agricultural soils commonly range from about 1.0 to 1.6 g/cm3. See the NRCS Bulk Density guide. These are soil-property references, not a guarantee of delivered topsoil weight.

Can a Pickup Carry One Yard of Topsoil?

A typical estimate of about 2,200 pounds can exceed the payload rating of many pickups before passengers, tools and fuel are counted. Do not use this calculator as permission to load a vehicle. Check the payload label for the specific vehicle and get the supplier's scale weight; use delivery or additional trips when the rated payload would be exceeded.

Topsoil Weight FAQ

How much does one cubic yard of topsoil weigh?

Using a medium-textured dry bulk density of 1.33 g/cm3, one cubic yard weighs about 2,242 pounds or 1.12 short tons. Actual delivered weight varies.

How much does half a yard of topsoil weigh?

Half a cubic yard weighs about 1,121 pounds at the medium estimate. The light and dense estimates in the chart range from about 843 to 1,348 pounds.

How much do two yards of topsoil weigh?

Two cubic yards weigh about 4,484 pounds at 1.33 g/cm3. A light estimate is about 3,371 pounds and a dense estimate is about 5,394 pounds.

Does wet topsoil weigh more?

Yes. The USDA bulk-density references used here describe dry soil mass. Water adds weight, so ask the supplier for a scale ticket when transport limits matter.

Is a yard of topsoil the same as a ton?

No. A cubic yard measures volume and a ton measures weight. At the medium estimate, one cubic yard is about 1.12 short tons, but density and moisture change the conversion.