Cost Calculator AI
Agriculture, Gardening & LandscapingBulk Material Model

Topsoil Cost Calculator

Calculate screened topsoil volume in cubic yards and tons, dump truck delivery charges, and grading costs for lawn leveling and garden beds.

Topsoil Dimensions, Density & Labor

Total Turnkey Cost$732.50$545.00 materials & delivery
Cubic Yards Needed12.51 dump truck load (~14.4 tons)
Estimated Weight14.4 Tons28,750 lbs screened loam
Cost Per Sq Ft$0.61Full installed project rate

Topsoil Volume & Weight Formula

Cubic Yards = (Length Ft × Width Ft × Depth Inches) / 324 × (1 + Waste %); Weight in Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.15 Tons/Yard; Total Cost = (Cubic Yards × Price Per Yard) + Delivery + Spreading Labor
  • Volume Formula: Area in square feet multiplied by depth in inches divided by 324.
  • Soil Density: Screened loam topsoil weighs approximately 2,200 to 2,600 lbs per cubic yard (roughly 1.1 to 1.3 short tons per yard).
  • Dump Truck Capacity: Standard tandem dump trucks carry 10 to 14 cubic yards; tri-axle trucks haul up to 18 to 20 yards.

Step-by-Step Worked Example

Scenario: Filling and grading a 1,200 sq ft lawn depression with 3 inches of screened loam

Calculation Steps:

  1. Calculate cubic yards: (1,200 sq ft × 3 inches) / 324 = 11.11 cubic yards
  2. Add 10% settling allowance: 11.11 × 1.10 = 12.22 -> 12.5 cubic yards
  3. Calculate estimated weight: 12.5 cu yds × 1.15 tons = 14.38 tons
  4. Calculate materials & delivery: (12.5 × $36.00) + $95.00 = $545.00
  5. Add spreading labor: 12.5 × $15.00 = $187.50
  6. Calculate total project cost: $545.00 + $187.50 = $732.50
Result: The project requires 12.5 cubic yards (14.4 tons) of screened topsoil, costing $545.00 delivered or $732.50 including professional spreading labor.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1Enter the length and width of the area (or total square footage).
  2. 2Enter the target fill depth in inches.
  3. 3Input local supplier price per cubic yard for screened or blended topsoil.
  4. 4Add delivery fees and optional wheelbarrow spreading/grading labor.
  5. 5Review total cubic yards, approximate tonnage, truckloads, and total cost.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Loam topsoil density averages 1.15 tons (2,300 lbs) per cubic yard.
  • Screened topsoil includes a standard 10% allowance for soil settling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between screened topsoil and fill dirt?

Screened topsoil has been sifted through a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch mesh to remove rocks, sticks, and clay clumps, making it rich in organic matter and ideal for lawns and planting. Fill dirt is unscreened subsoil containing clay, stones, and sand, used strictly for deep structural grading.

How much does a full dump truck load of topsoil cost?

A standard 10 to 12 cubic yard dump truck delivery of quality screened topsoil typically costs $350 to $550 including local delivery within 15 miles.

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