How much topsoil you need
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × 1.08.
Example: a 10 × 10 ft area at 6 inches deep is 50.0 cubic feet, or 1.85 cubic yards. At 1.08 tons per cubic yard that is 2.00 tons, or 100 bags of 0.5 cu ft.
HomeGuide notes that one cubic yard of dirt covers 55 sq ft at 6 inches deep.
How far one yard and one ton go
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers | 1 ton covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | 300 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 150 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 100 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 75 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | 50 sq ft |
Ton figures use 1.08 tons per cubic yard.
Weight and price
Engineering ToolBox lists loam at 80 lb per cubic foot, about 1.08 tons per cubic yard. Wet soil weighs more.
HomeGuide puts topsoil at $10 to $50 per cubic yard. The price box above starts at the middle of that range; type in your supplier's quote for a real number.
Common questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of topsoil?
About 1.08 tons. Engineering ToolBox lists loam at 80 lb per cubic foot, about 1.08 tons per cubic yard. Wet soil weighs more.
How much area does a ton of topsoil cover?
About 150 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 100 sq ft at 3 inches.
How much does topsoil cost?
HomeGuide puts topsoil at $10 to $50 per cubic yard. Delivery is often extra.
Sources
- https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html
- https://homeguide.com/costs/fill-dirt-sand-topsoil-cost