How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
One cubic yard of topsoil typically weighs about 2,000–2,700 lb (1 to 1.35 tons). Wet soil is at the heavy end. That matters if you plan to haul it yourself – most half-ton pickups can only carry about half a cubic yard safely.
How deep should topsoil be?
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Top dressing an existing lawn | ¼–½ in |
| Filling low spots | 1–3 in per layer |
| New lawn (seed or sod) | 4–6 in |
| New vegetable or flower garden | 6–12 in |
Order a little extra
Soil settles after it is spread and watered. Adding 5–10% to your order helps you avoid coming up short.