Topsoil weight and density
Volume tells you how much space material fills. Weight also depends on the product and its moisture and compaction. A cubic yard of topsoil therefore has no single guaranteed delivery weight.
Dry soil density is not delivery weight
USDA NRCS describes dry soil bulk density as dry soil mass per unit volume and explains its relationship to compaction and soil function. A delivered loose product can have different packing and moisture conditions. That source does not establish a universal weight for a truckload or validate this calculator’s illustrative density.
Ask the supplier for the bulk density of the actual material as supplied, with its moisture assumptions. A density for a different mix or condition can change both the weight estimate and a comparison using a price per tonne.
The formula
Estimated mass in kilograms = required volume in cubic meters × density in kg/m³. Divide kilograms by 1,000 for metric tonnes, or by 907.18474 for US short tons. A metric tonne and a US short ton are different units; always use the one on the quote.
Worked example with a stated density
Suppose the supplier specifies 1,400 kg/m³ for the product and you need 5.5 m³ including your chosen allowance. The estimated weight is 5.5 × 1,400 = 7,700 kg: 7.70 metric tonnes or approximately 8.49 US short tons. The density is an example supplied for this calculation, not a recommendation for every topsoil product.
If the supplier minimum requires you to purchase more than 5.5 m³, the delivered weight can exceed this requirement-based estimate. Check the ordered quantity separately.
The calculator’s density options
- Illustrative assumption: uses 1,300 kg/m³ as a planning assumption, not a verified typical range or a guaranteed delivery weight.
- From my supplier: enter the product-specific value in kg/m³. Prefer this for weight-based prices.
- Do not estimate weight: keeps the volume and bag calculations available, but a cost comparison priced by weight remains incomplete.
The main estimated weight uses the volume including your extra allowance. When an illustrative density is selected, the result and any weight-based price comparison remain conditional on that assumption.
Check the product and the load
Do not use this estimate to approve a vehicle payload, structure or lifting operation. Water content, packaging and actual material quantities may differ from the plan. Confirm delivery weight and handling limits with the supplier and relevant equipment specifications.
Use the measurement guide to check volume, then compare complete bagged and bulk orders. More formulas are in the methodology.