How much is a yard of topsoil?

It varies a lot with quality and region — enter your supplier's price.

Sold by the yard or the ton?

Usually by the cubic yard or by the bulk bag.

Add it with the labor and margin calculator.

How much does it cost to prepare a new lawn?

Soil + prep + seed or sod + labor — soil is often a big share.

Is topsoil sold by the ton?

Sometimes; a yard weighs roughly 1–1.3 tons.

Does the price per yard include delivery?

Rarely — ask for the delivery fee.

Topsoil cost calculator

Work out the volume of topsoil including settling, then apply your price per cubic yard or metre plus delivery.

Purchase quantity

7.521 yd³

Net measurement: 6.54 yd³ · Waste 15 %

Topsoil7.521 yd³ · £201.25
Delivery1 trip · £60.00

Indicative estimate: £261.25

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Calculate labour, margin & VAT

How it's calculated (visible formula)

volume = area × depth × (1 + settling); cost = volume × price + delivery

Net geometric measurement, no waste.
Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).

See methodology and formula versions

How to calculate it, step by step

Work out the topsoil volume including settling.
Multiply by the price per yard or per bulk bag.
Add delivery or crane cost.
Add spreading, rolling and debris removal.
Apply your margin and tax in the final quote.

Worked example: 540 sq ft at 4 in, $35 per m³

5 m³ + 15% = 5.75 m³ (7.5 yd³)
5.75 × $35 = $201 + $60 delivery

→ About $261.

Common mistakes

Comparing screened and unscreened soil at the same price.
Forgetting delivery or truck access.
Leaving out spreading and rolling.

Pro tips

Offer a compost-blended topsoil as an upgrade.
For difficult access, price a compact loader or conveyor.
Charge site prep (clearing, tilling) separately.
Check soil quality on arrival before spreading.

From calculation to quote

Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.

Create quote Calculate margin & VAT

FAQs

How much is a yard of topsoil?: It varies a lot with quality and region — enter your supplier's price.
Sold by the yard or the ton?: Usually by the cubic yard or by the bulk bag.
What about labor?: Add it with the labor and margin calculator.
How much does it cost to prepare a new lawn?: Soil + prep + seed or sod + labor — soil is often a big share.
Is topsoil sold by the ton?: Sometimes; a yard weighs roughly 1–1.3 tons.
Does the price per yard include delivery?: Rarely — ask for the delivery fee.

Sources and standards

Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.