When planning a landscaping or construction project, understanding how much does a cubic yard weigh is essential for ordering the right amount, arranging delivery, and ensuring your vehicle can handle the load. The answer depends on the type of fill or aggregate—one cubic yard of mulch is far lighter than one cubic yard of concrete.
This guide covers the weight of common material types sold by the cubic yard, factors that affect density, and how to calculate exactly what your project requires.
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What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume used throughout the construction world to measure bulk material like dirt, sand, topsoil, gravel, and mulch. To visualise it, imagine a cube with length, width, and height each measuring 3 feet. This equals 27 cubic feet of space.
Suppliers typically sell landscaping material by the cubic yard because it provides a standardised way to measure loose goods regardless of shape.
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Dirt Weigh?
How much dirt you’re dealing with depends on composition, moisture content, and compaction. A cubic yard of dirt can vary significantly—here’s what to expect for each yard of dirt type:
Fill Dirt
Fill dirt is subsoil containing little organic matter, ideal for building up low areas. One cubic yard of fill dirt typically ranges from 2,000 to 2,700 pounds (900 to 1,225 kg). Dry fill sits at the lower end, while wet fill with high moisture content is considerably heavier.
When trucks deliver fill dirt to your location, the density can vary based on where it was sourced. Some fill contains more rock and debris.
Topsoil
A yard of topsoil—the nutrient-rich upper layer gardeners choose for planting beds—ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 pounds (635 to 900 kg). How much does topsoil weigh when wet? Wet topsoil can be significantly heavier than dry topsoil after rain.
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How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Other Material Weigh?
Sand Weight
How much does sand weigh? Dry sand typically runs around 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg) per cubic yard. Wet sand reaches 3,000 to 3,400 pounds (1,360 to 1,540 kg).
Gravel and Rock Weight
Crushed gravel runs approximately 2,800 to 3,400 pounds (1,270 to 1,540 kg) per cubic yard, depending on rock type and size.
Wood Chip and Bark Weight
Wood-based material is among the lightest bulk options. 1 cubic yard ranges from 400 to 800 pounds (180 to 360 kg).
Concrete Weight
How much does concrete weigh? Fresh, wet concrete is heavy—approximately 4,050 pounds (1,835 kg) per cubic yard. Delivery trucks are essential for concrete.
Factors That Affect Material Weight
Moisture Content
Moisture content dramatically affects how heavy material becomes. A yard of dirt at 2,000 pounds when dry might reach 2,500 pounds when wet. Ask your supplier about current conditions.
Composition and Debris
Sand particles pack tightly, while mulch has large air gaps. Topsoil containing organic debris typically has lower weight than mineral-heavy fill dirt. Compaction also plays a role—loose fill takes up the same volume but has less weight per cubic yard than compacted ground.
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Will 1 Cubic Yard Fit in a Pickup?
By volume, yes—a standard 8-foot truck bed holds roughly 2.5 cubic yards. However, most half-ton pickups safely carry only 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, which limits what you can haul:
- One cubic yard of mulch: Yes, within capacity
- 1 cubic yard of topsoil: Possibly, if dry
- 1 cubic yard of gravel or sand: No, typically too heavy
- One cubic yard of concrete: No
For heavy goods, arrange delivery from your supplier to avoid overloading.
Is 1 Cubic Yard Equal to 1 Ton?
No—volume and tons measure different things. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet of space, while a ton equals 2,000 pounds.
To convert, you need each item’s density:
- One cubic yard of mulch ≈ 0.2 to 0.4 tons
- One cubic yard of topsoil ≈ 0.7 to 1.0 tons
- One cubic yard of fill dirt ≈ 1.0 to 1.35 tons
- One cubic yard of sand ≈ 1.35 to 1.7 tons
- One cubic yard of concrete ≈ 2.0 tons
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How to Calculate Cubic Yards for Your Project
Measure your project area to determine how many cubic yards you require:
- Measure length, width, and depth of the area in feet or inches
- Convert inches to feet (divide by 12)
- Multiply length × width × depth to calculate volume in cubic feet
- Divide by 27 to get cubic yards
For example, a garden bed area 12 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 inches deep:
- Depth: 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet
- Cubic feet: 12 × 4 × 0.5 = 24
- Cubic yards: 24 ÷ 27 = 0.89
Round up when ordering to account for settling and uneven ground.
Quick Reference: Weight Chart
| Material Type | Weight (Pounds per Cubic Yard) | Weight (Kilograms) |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch (dry) | 400–800 | 180–360 |
| Topsoil (dry) | 1,400–2,000 | 635–900 |
| Fill Dirt | 2,000–2,700 | 900–1,225 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1,225 |
| Gravel | 2,800–3,400 | 1,270–1,540 |
| Concrete | 4,050 | 1,835 |
Additional information: values increase when wet. Confirm with your supplier based on conditions at their location.
Summary
Understanding how much a cubic yard of dirt or other material weighs helps you plan orders, arrange appropriate delivery, and avoid overloading vehicles. How much dirt you need depends on your project area, but remember that dirt weigh varies—topsoil weigh less than fill dirt, and moisture content dramatically changes the final number. Use a construction calculator to handle conversions and ensure you order precisely what your project needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does 1 cubic yard of dirt weigh?
- One cubic yard of dirt weighs between 1,400 and 2,700 pounds (635 to 1,225 kg), depending on the type. Topsoil weighs 1,400–2,000 lbs, while denser fill dirt weighs 2,000–2,700 lbs. Moisture content significantly affects the final weight—wet dirt can weigh 20–30% more than dry.
- How much does 1 cubic yard of crushed gravel weigh?
- One cubic yard of crushed gravel weighs approximately 2,800 to 3,400 pounds (1,270 to 1,540 kg). The exact weight depends on the rock type, size of the crushed pieces, and moisture content. Finely crushed gravel tends to weigh more than larger pieces due to fewer air gaps.
- Will 1 cubic yard fit in a pickup truck?
- By volume, yes—a standard 8-foot truck bed holds roughly 2.5 cubic yards. However, weight is the limiting factor. Most half-ton pickups safely carry only 1,000–1,500 pounds. This means you can haul one cubic yard of mulch, but gravel, sand, or concrete would exceed safe capacity and risk damaging your vehicle.
- Is 1 cubic yard equal to 1 ton?
- No. A cubic yard measures volume (27 cubic feet of space), while a ton measures weight (2,000 pounds). The relationship depends on material density:
- 1 cubic yard of mulch ≈ 0.2–0.4 tons
- 1 cubic yard of topsoil ≈ 0.7–1.0 tons
- 1 cubic yard of fill dirt ≈ 1.0–1.35 tons
- 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 1.4–1.7 tons
- 1 cubic yard of concrete ≈ 2.0 tons
- How do I calculate cubic yards for my project?
- Measure the length, width, and depth of your area in feet
- Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12
- Multiply length × width × depth to get cubic feet
- Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards
- How much does wet dirt weigh compared to dry?
- Wet dirt can weigh 20–30% more than dry dirt. A cubic yard of dirt that weighs 2,000 pounds when dry might reach 2,500 pounds or more when saturated. Always ask your supplier about current moisture conditions, especially after recent rain.
- How many cubic yards can a dump truck deliver?
- Standard dump trucks typically deliver 10–14 cubic yards per load. Smaller single-axle trucks carry 5–8 cubic yards, while larger tri-axle trucks can haul up to 16–18 cubic yards. Delivery capacity may also be limited by weight restrictions on local roads.