Topsoil: Size, Uses, and Cost Per Ton (2026)
Also called: Garden Soil, Screened Topsoil, Black Dirt
Topsoil at a Glance
| Size | Fine, crumbly soil texture when screened. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,000 to 2,600 lbs (1.00 to 1.30 tons) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.77 to 1.00 |
| Cost per ton | $12 to $30 per ton |
| Cost per cubic yard | $15 to $40 per cubic yard |
| 10-ton truckload | $120 to $300 before delivery |
| Compaction | Minimal (5%). Stays loose, needs edging. |
| Drainage | Excellent. Open voids between stones, water passes straight through. |
| Best for | Lawn establishment, Garden beds, Raised beds, Grading for sod |
| Wrong for | Structural fill, Under pavers or gravel, Drainage applications |
What Is Topsoil?
Nutrient-rich upper layer of soil, ideal for establishing lawns, gardens, and planting beds. Quality topsoil is dark, crumbly, and full of organic matter that supports plant growth. Screened topsoil has been filtered to remove rocks, roots, and debris.
How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Draw your project area on the map to get an instant material estimate for Topsoil.
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Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
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Enter an address in step 1. Then click around the edge of the spot you want to cover and the planner does the math.
What Topsoil Costs in 2026
Topsoil costs $12 to $30 per ton, or $15 to $40 per cubic yard. A 10-ton single-axle truckload runs $120 to $300 before delivery. An 18-ton tandem load runs $216 to $540. Delivery adds $50 to $150 within 10 to 15 miles of the supplier.
| Quantity | Material cost |
|---|---|
| 1 ton | $12 to $30 |
| 1 cubic yard | $15 to $40 |
| 10-ton single-axle load | $120 to $300 |
| 18-ton tandem load | $216 to $540 |
| 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep | $13 to $42 |
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard at most landscape supply yards. 2-10% organic content is ideal — too much organic matter means excessive settling.
Prices vary by region and order size. See the gravel cost per ton guide and the delivery cost guide.
How Much Topsoil for Common Projects
Tons include 5% compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Formula: cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Project | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft patio (200 sq ft) | 2 in | 1.2 | 1.4 to 1.9 | $17 to $57 |
| 12 x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) | 4 in | 5.9 | 6.8 to 8.9 | $82 to $267 |
| 3 x 50 ft walkway (150 sq ft) | 3 in | 1.4 | 1.6 to 2.1 | $19 to $63 |
Different size? Use the gravel calculator or convert with the tons to yards calculator.
Where Topsoil Works and Where It Fails
Best uses
- ✓ Lawn establishment
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Raised beds
- ✓ Grading for sod
Wrong uses
- ✗ Structural fill
- ✗ Under pavers or gravel
- ✗ Drainage applications
Common Uses
- ✓ Lawn seeding
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Raised bed fill
- ✓ Landscape grading
- ✓ Sod installation
- ✓ Tree and shrub planting
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Rich in nutrients for plant growth | − Settles significantly after delivery |
| + Creates ideal growing medium | − Quality varies greatly between suppliers |
| + Dark color absorbs warmth for earlier spring planting | − Can contain weed seeds |
| + Screened options are ready to use | − Heavy when wet |
| + Essential for any planting project | − Should never be used as structural fill |
Topsoil Sizes and Colors
Fine, crumbly soil texture when screened. Dark brown to black color indicates high organic content. "Screened" topsoil has been run through a 3/8" or 1/2" screen to remove debris. Blended topsoil may include compost for extra nutrients.
Compare Topsoil With Other Materials
Side-by-side size, cost, drainage, and best-use comparisons.
- Pea Gravel vs Topsoil
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- #4 Stone vs Topsoil
Topsoil by City
Suppliers stock Topsoil in these cities:
Find Topsoil Near You
9821 E OH-37, Sunbury, Ohio
515 Windmill Dr, Fallon, Nevada
22 McBride Rd, Slate Hill, New York
2629 Orchard Lake Rd, Sylvan Lake, Michigan
3255 S Old Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska
11531 Highland St, Anchorage, Alaska