So, how much is a yard of dirt? The average cost for a cubic yard of dirt often ranges from $10 to $50, but this price can change a lot based on the type of dirt, how much you need, where you live, and if you need it delivered. Knowing these things helps you figure out the real cost of dirt per cubic yard for your project. This guide helps you see what goes into that price.
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What is a Yard of Dirt?
When people talk about a “yard of dirt,” they mean a cubic yard. This is a way to measure volume. A cubic yard is like a box that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall.
Think of it this way:
* It’s 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet.
* That equals 27 cubic feet.
* It’s a common way to buy dirt for bigger jobs.
Buying dirt by the yard, or in bulk, is usually cheaper than buying small bags from a store. Bags are fine for small jobs, like planting a few pots. But for leveling a yard, building a garden bed, or filling a hole, a cubic yard is the standard measure.
What Makes the Price of Dirt Change?
The cost of dirt per cubic yard is not one fixed price. Many things make it go up or down. Knowing these things helps you budget and find the best deal.
Here are the main things that affect the price:
The Type of Dirt
Dirt isn’t just dirt. There are different kinds, and they cost different amounts.
- Fill Dirt: This is the cheapest kind. It’s often soil dug up from construction sites. It can have rocks, clay, or sand mixed in. It’s not good for planting because it doesn’t have many nutrients and might not drain well. But it’s great for filling in big holes, leveling ground, or building up an area where you won’t grow plants. The fill dirt price per yard is usually the lowest.
- Topsoil: This is the upper layer of soil. It’s richer than fill dirt. It has more organic matter, which is good for plants. Topsoil varies in quality. Good topsoil is loose, drains well, and has nutrients. It’s used for gardens, lawns, and landscaping beds. The price of topsoil per yard is higher than fill dirt because it’s better quality for growing things.
- Screened Dirt: This is dirt that has been put through a screen or sieve. This process removes rocks, roots, and other large pieces. Screened dirt is smoother and easier to work with. You can find screened topsoil or screened fill dirt. Screening adds cost. The screened dirt price per yard is higher than unscreened dirt of the same type.
- Landscaping Mixes/Blends: These are special mixes made for specific uses. They might be a blend of topsoil, compost, sand, or other materials. Examples include garden soil mix, raised bed mix, or lawn soil. These mixes are designed to have the right balance of nutrients, drainage, and structure for plants to grow well. The landscaping dirt price per yard is often the highest because of the mixing and extra materials.
Table: Dirt Types and Typical Uses
| Type of Dirt | What it’s Like | Best Use Cases | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt | Unscreened, might have rocks/clay | Filling holes, leveling ground, building bases | Low |
| Screened Fill Dirt | Fill dirt with rocks removed | Base layers, drainage control | Medium-Low |
| Topsoil | Upper layer, some nutrients, maybe rocks | Leveling lawns, basic garden beds, general landscaping | Medium |
| Screened Topsoil | Topsoil with rocks/roots removed | Lawns, gardens, flower beds, easier to spread | Medium-High |
| Landscaping Mix/Blend | Custom mix (topsoil, compost, etc.) | Raised beds, vegetable gardens, specific plant needs | High |
The Quality of the Dirt
Even within one type, like topsoil, the quality matters. Is it just basic topsoil? Or is it rich, dark, loamy soil full of compost? Better quality dirt that has been tested, improved, or carefully sourced will cost more. Screened dirt costs more because of the work to screen it.
How Much Dirt You Buy
Buying more dirt usually means paying less per yard. This is called buying in bulk. Suppliers often give a lower cost of dirt per cubic yard if you buy many yards at once. Small orders (like just one yard) might have a higher per-yard price or extra fees. Looking into the bulk dirt delivery cost often shows a better price per yard for larger amounts.
Delivery Fees
Getting the dirt to your house adds to the cost. Delivery fees depend on:
* Distance: How far is the supplier from your location?
* Amount: How many yards are they delivering? Bigger trucks can carry more, which can make the per-yard delivery cost lower for large orders.
* Access: Is your driveway easy to get to? Is there space for a large dump truck to maneuver and dump the dirt? Tight spots or difficult access can increase the cost to deliver a yard of dirt.
* Fuel Costs: Fuel prices affect how much it costs to run the trucks.
Delivery can sometimes cost as much or more than the dirt itself, especially for small orders or long distances. The bulk dirt delivery cost is often a major part of the total price.
Your Location
Dirt prices change a lot based on where you live.
* In some areas, there’s lots of dirt available from construction projects. This can make fill dirt cheaper.
* In other areas, good topsoil is harder to find. This makes it more expensive.
* Prices are also higher in areas with a higher cost of living or where demand is high.
The Supplier
Different companies sell dirt:
* Landscaping supply yards
* Nurseries
* Excavation contractors
* Bagged soil sellers (for small amounts)
Prices can vary between suppliers based on their business costs, quality standards, and how much dirt they handle. Getting quotes from a few local suppliers is a good idea.
Finding the Cost: Typical Price Ranges
Let’s look at some typical price ranges for different types of dirt per cubic yard. Remember, these are just estimates. Actual prices will vary based on all the factors we just talked about.
The base cubic yard of soil price before delivery often falls into these ranges:
- Fill Dirt: $10 – $25 per cubic yard
- Screened Fill Dirt: $15 – $30 per cubic yard
- Topsoil: $20 – $40 per cubic yard
- Screened Topsoil: $30 – $50 per cubic yard
- Landscaping Mixes/Blends: $40 – $70+ per cubic yard
These are just for the dirt itself. You must add delivery costs to get the total price.
Table: Estimated Dirt & Delivery Costs (Per Yard)
| Type of Dirt | Estimated Dirt Cost Per Yard | Estimated Delivery Cost Per Yard (variable) | Estimated Total Cost Per Yard (before taxes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt | $10 – $25 | $15 – $50 (often higher for single yards) | $25 – $75+ |
| Topsoil | $20 – $40 | $15 – $50 (often higher for single yards) | $35 – $90+ |
| Screened Topsoil | $30 – $50 | $15 – $50 (often higher for single yards) | $45 – $100+ |
| Landscaping Mix | $40 – $70+ | $15 – $50 (often higher for single yards) | $55 – $120+ |
Note: Delivery costs are tricky to show “per yard” because they are often a flat fee or tiered fee based on distance and load size. For example, a $75 delivery fee for 3 yards adds $25 per yard. That same fee for 10 yards adds only $7.50 per yard. This table assumes some averaging, but remember delivery often has a minimum cost.
So, when you ask “How much is yard of dirt?”, the answer depends heavily on what kind of dirt you need and if you can pick it up or need it brought to you. The cost to deliver a yard of dirt can easily double or triple the price for smaller orders.
Grasping Delivery Costs
Delivery is a big part of the final price. Suppliers use different ways to figure out delivery cost.
How Delivery Fees are Calculated
- Flat Fee: A single price for delivery within a certain area, often up to a certain distance or number of miles from the yard.
- Zone Pricing: The delivery area is split into zones. The farther your home is from the supplier, the higher the fee.
- Mileage Based: A charge per mile from the supplier’s location to yours.
- Load Size: Some suppliers have different fees based on the size of the truck needed. A small truck might cost less but hold fewer yards. A large truck costs more but can bring a big bulk dirt delivery. The bulk dirt delivery cost per yard is usually lower than for small amounts.
- Minimum Order: Many suppliers require you to buy a minimum number of yards (like 2 or 3 yards) for delivery. They might deliver just one yard, but they’ll charge a higher fee that covers their costs for a small trip.
What to Ask About Delivery
When you call a supplier, ask these questions:
* What is your delivery fee to my address?
* Is there a minimum order for delivery?
* What is the maximum number of yards your truck can bring at once? (This helps with bulk dirt delivery cost planning).
* How much space do you need to dump the dirt? (Dump trucks need room to lift the bed).
* Can you deliver to a specific spot on my property? (Driveway is easiest, but they might need to know about obstacles).
Knowing these details prevents surprises and helps you compare total costs from different places.
Figuring Out How Much Dirt You Need
Before you buy, you need to know the right amount. Dirt is measured in cubic yards. To figure out how many cubic yards you need, you’ll measure the area where the dirt will go.
Steps to Measure
- Measure the Area: Figure out the length and width of the spot you need to fill or cover. Use feet for your measurement.
- Measure the Depth: Figure out how deep you want the dirt to be in feet. If you need inches, divide the inches by 12 to get feet (e.g., 3 inches / 12 = 0.25 feet).
- Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Multiply the length by the width by the depth. Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft) = Volume (cubic feet).
- Convert to Cubic Yards: There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. Divide your volume in cubic feet by 27. Volume (cubic feet) / 27 = Volume (cubic yards).
Using a Cubic Yard Calculator
You can find cubic yard calculator tools online. These make the math easy. You just type in the length, width, and depth (making sure they are all in the same unit, like feet), and the calculator tells you how many cubic yards you need.
Example Calculation
Let’s say you want to build a raised garden bed that is 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, and you want the dirt to be 1 foot deep.
- Length = 10 ft
- Width = 4 ft
- Depth = 1 ft
- Volume (cubic feet) = 10 ft * 4 ft * 1 ft = 40 cubic feet
- Volume (cubic yards) = 40 cubic feet / 27 = 1.48 cubic yards
You would likely round up to 1.5 or 2 cubic yards when ordering, as you don’t want to run short. It’s often good to order a little extra (5-10%) because dirt can settle, and your measurements might not be exact.
What About Uneven Areas?
If you are filling a hole or leveling ground, it’s harder to get an exact depth. Try to estimate the average depth of the area you need to fill. Measure length and width, estimate the average depth, and use the same calculation. For large, complex areas, it might be worth getting advice from a landscaper or contractor.
How Much Does a Yard of Dirt Weigh?
The question, how much does a yard of dirt weigh, is important for delivery and moving the dirt yourself. The weight of a cubic yard of dirt varies a lot based on two main things:
- Type of Dirt: Clay is heavier than sand or loam. Soil with lots of organic matter (like good topsoil) is generally lighter than fill dirt with lots of clay or rock.
- Moisture Content: This is the biggest factor. Wet dirt weighs much more than dry dirt. Soil holds water, and water is heavy.
Estimated Weight Ranges
- Dry, loose dirt (like sandy loam): Around 2,000 – 2,400 pounds per cubic yard (about 1 ton to 1.2 tons)
- Average topsoil with some moisture: Around 2,200 – 2,700 pounds per cubic yard (about 1.1 tons to 1.35 tons)
- Wet or clay-heavy dirt: Can weigh 3,000 pounds or more per cubic yard (1.5 tons or more)
A standard pickup truck can usually carry about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds safely, maybe slightly more for heavy-duty trucks. This means a regular pickup often cannot safely haul a full cubic yard of average dirt, especially if it’s wet. You might only be able to carry half a yard or less. This is why delivery is often necessary for even one cubic yard. Dump trucks are built to carry many tons.
Knowing how much does a yard of dirt weigh helps you decide if you need delivery and what size equipment (like a wheelbarrow or small tractor) you’ll need to move it around your property. Wet dirt is not only heavier but also harder to work with.
Comparing Suppliers and Making a Choice
You’ve figured out how much dirt you need and what type. Now it’s time to find a supplier.
Where to Look
- Local landscaping supply yards (often the best place for bulk dirt delivery).
- Nurseries (may sell by the yard or in bags).
- Excavation or paving companies (sometimes sell fill dirt).
- Online search for “bulk topsoil near me” or “dirt delivery [your town]”.
Getting Quotes
Call or visit a few suppliers. Ask them:
* What types of dirt do you sell by the cubic yard? (Ask about price of topsoil per yard, fill dirt price per yard, landscaping dirt price per yard, screened dirt price per yard).
* What is the cubic yard of soil price for the type I need?
* What is the cost to deliver a yard of dirt to my address? (Specify how many yards you need, as the per-yard delivery cost changes with quantity).
* Is there a minimum delivery amount?
* Do you have pictures or samples of the dirt? (Quality is important!).
* When can you deliver?
Get the total cost, including dirt and delivery, for the amount you need. Compare these total costs, not just the price per yard of dirt.
Quality Matters
Don’t just go for the cheapest price. Poor quality fill dirt might settle unevenly. Bad topsoil might have weeds, pests, or poor structure that harms your plants. If quality is important for your project (like a garden), ask about the source of the dirt and if it’s been tested or amended with compost. Sometimes paying a bit more for better quality saves you problems later.
DIY Pickup vs. Professional Delivery
Should you pick up the dirt yourself or pay for delivery?
Picking Up Yourself
- Pros:
- No delivery fee.
- You can see the dirt quality before you buy and load it.
- Good for small amounts (if you have a truck/trailer and don’t need a full yard).
- Cons:
- Requires a suitable truck or trailer that can handle the weight (remember how much does a yard of dirt weigh!). You might need multiple trips.
- Involves loading and unloading yourself (or paying extra for them to load).
- Can be messy.
- Takes your time and effort.
- Risky if your vehicle isn’t rated for the weight.
Professional Delivery
- Pros:
- Convenient – the dirt comes to you.
- They handle the heavy hauling.
- Essential for larger amounts (multiple cubic yards).
- Saves you time and effort.
- Cons:
- Adds the cost to deliver a yard of dirt.
- Requires space for the dump truck to maneuver and drop the load.
- You can’t always see the dirt before it arrives (unless you visited the yard beforehand).
- Might have minimum order requirements.
For most projects needing a cubic yard or more, delivery is usually the more practical option, despite the added bulk dirt delivery cost.
Wrapping Up the Cost Picture
Getting dirt for your yard or garden project involves more than just a simple cubic yard of soil price. You need to think about:
- What kind of dirt do you need? (Affects the base cost of dirt per cubic yard).
- How much do you need? (Impacts the price per yard and bulk dirt delivery cost). Use a cubic yard calculator to be sure.
- Will you pick it up or get it delivered? (Delivery adds a significant cost to deliver a yard of dirt).
- Where do you live? (Prices vary by region).
- How much does the dirt weigh? (Important for transport – how much does a yard of dirt weigh varies hugely).
By understanding these points and getting quotes, you can plan your project budget better and get the right dirt at a fair price. Whether it’s inexpensive fill dirt price per yard for leveling or higher price of topsoil per yard or landscaping dirt price per yard for planting, knowing the costs helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a cubic yard of dirt?
A cubic yard of dirt generally costs between $10 and $70 for the dirt itself, before delivery. The exact cost of dirt per cubic yard depends on the type (fill dirt is cheaper than topsoil or blends) and quality.
What is the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Fill dirt is basic subsoil, often with rocks and clay, used for filling or leveling. It has few nutrients. Topsoil is the upper, richer layer of soil with more organic matter, better for growing plants. The price of topsoil per yard is higher than the fill dirt price per yard.
Is screened dirt better?
Screened dirt has been sifted to remove large rocks, roots, and debris. This makes it easier to work with and spread evenly, especially for lawns or fine grading. The screened dirt price per yard is usually higher than unscreened dirt because of the extra processing.
Can I get just one yard delivered?
Yes, most suppliers will deliver just one yard. However, they often have a minimum delivery fee that makes the cost to deliver a yard of dirt quite high compared to delivering multiple yards. It’s usually more cost-effective per yard to order 2 or more yards if you can use that much.
How heavy is a yard of dirt?
A cubic yard of dirt can weigh anywhere from 2,000 to over 3,000 pounds (1 to 1.5+ tons). The weight depends mainly on the type of dirt and its moisture level. Wet dirt is much heavier than dry dirt. Knowing how much does a yard of dirt weigh is key if you plan to transport it yourself.
How do I figure out how much dirt I need?
Measure the length, width, and desired depth of the area you need to fill or cover, all in feet. Multiply these three numbers to get cubic feet. Then, divide the cubic feet by 27 to get the number of cubic yards. You can also use an online cubic yard calculator. It’s often wise to order a little extra.